Long Island City, NY (April 26, 2019) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union #137, will conduct a recruitment from May 6, 2019 through May 4, 2020 for 10 sheet metal worker (sign hanger/rigger) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.  

Applications can be obtained at 50-02 5th Street, Suite A, Long Island City, NY, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., every Monday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.

Please note that apprentices must pay union dues of $48.00 each month during their apprenticeship. Apprentices must also pay an initiation fee of $300.00 (must be paid in six monthly installments). Therefore, for the first six months apprentices must pay $98.00 each month, and then it will revert back to $48.00 per month.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Must provide a proof at the time of application.
• Must sign an affidavit for physical performance indicating that they are physically able to perform the work of a sheet metal worker (sign hanger/rigger), which may include:
  • Working with sharp objects, hazardous machinery, and possible exposure to loud noises and respiratory irritants.
  • Prolonged standing, climbing, and walking.
  • Repeated squatting and bending.
  • Working in severe weather conditions and extreme temperatures ranging from 0 to 140 degrees (outside in the winter and inside ceilings in the summer).
  • Working in confined spaces.
  • Lifting and moving bulky objects and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.
  • Working off of ladders, pipe scaffolds, and swinging scaffolds at heights of 100 feet or more.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. Apprentices may be required to operate company vehicles.
• Must pass a drug test at the expense of sponsor after the selection and prior to indenture.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various worksites and related instruction classes.
• Must be willing to travel within the jurisdiction of Local Union #137, which includes the five boroughs of New York City, Nassau County, and Suffolk County for jobsites.
• Must pass a Reading and Math survey test.

For further information, applicants should contact Sheet Metal Workers Local # 137 at (718) 937- 4514. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.