Long Island City, NY (February 9, 2016) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Sheet Metal Workers, Local Union #137, will conduct a recruitment from March 7, 2016 through March 6, 2017 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 5^th 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.  Applicants must provide a valid driver’s license and proof of a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma in order to receive an application.

Please note that apprentices must pay union dues of $48.00 each month.  Apprentices must also pay an initiation fee equal to six months of dues ($288.00).  The initiation fee must be paid in monthly installments, along with the dues.  Therefore, apprentices must pay two times the dues rate ($96.00) for the first six months in order to pay off the initiation fee.

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 sign a statement 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.
• Working in confined spaces.
• Lifting and moving 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 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.
• Must pass a math and reading test.
• Must provide military transfer card or discharge form DD-214, if applicable, after selection and prior to indenture.

For further information, applicants should contact their nearest New York State Department of Labor office or Local Union #137 at (718) 937-4514.

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.