Long Island City, NY (January 3, 2014) – The District Council #9 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Fund will conduct a recruitment from January 10, 2014 through January 23, 2014 for 50 painter and decorator (structural steel - bridges) apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Applications must be obtained, in person only, from District Council #9 JAATF, 45-15 36^th Street, Long Island City, NY from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  The sponsor will be distributing 500 applications beginning Friday, January 10 and continuing for a period of ten business days or until all applications have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old. 
• Must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (G.E.D).  Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must be physically able to perform the work required, as determined by a self-evaluation and by a physical examination at the expense of the sponsor.
• Must sign an affidavit stating that he/she is physically able to perform the work of a painter and decorator (structural steel - bridges), which includes:
  • Painting all types of structural steel, including, but not limited to, bridges, water tanks, overpasses, elevated trains, towers, and stadiums.
  • Abrasive blasting, power tool cleaning, and other preparation of structures, as well as containment.
  • Painting with a spray, brush, or roller.
  • Lifting and moving heavy equipment and paint weighing up to 70 pounds.
  • Working from ladders, scaffolds, platforms, and personnel lifts, which may exceed 125 feet in height.
  • Working with a respirator and other personal protective equipment, as required.
• Must attend a three-day orientation.
• Must be able to travel throughout the five boroughs to reach job sites.
• Must have a driver’s license.  Work may not be accessible by public transportation (e.g. Westchester & Long Island).
• Must be able to read, hear, and understand instructions and warnings in English.
• Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or District Council #9 at (718) 937-7440.

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.