Buffalo, NY (August 11, 2014) - The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #71 will conduct a recruitment from September 4, 2014 through August 27, 2015 for 15 sheet metal worker apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Please note that the 15 openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for two recruitment regions - the Finger Lakes and Western regions of New York.  This program’s jurisdiction includes the counties of Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming. 

Applications will be available at Local Union #71, 24 Liberty Avenue, Buffalo, NY, each Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (with the exception of the third Thursday of each month, when applications will be available from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.), excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. 

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old. Proof will be required after acceptance into the program.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as GED or TASC). This must include one full year of high school algebra with a passing grade, or one post-high school algebra course with a passing grade.  Transcripts will be required upon acceptance into the program.
• Must be physically able to perform the work of a sheet metal worker as determined by a physical examination and/or a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor.
• Must sign an attestation that he/she is physically capable of performing the work of the trade, which may include:
• Climbing and working from ladders, scaffolds, poles, or towers of various heights.
• Crawling and working in confined spaces.
• Lifting and carrying tools and materials weighing 50 -75 pounds.
• Must be able to read and understand English.
• Must be able to hear and understand verbal instructions and warnings given in English.
• Must have a valid driver’s license (apprentices can be expected to drive company vehicles).
• Must have reliable transportation to and from related instruction as well as job sites anywhere within the geographical jurisdiction of Local Union #71. This includes Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. 
• Must reside within the jurisdiction of Local Union #71 for at least one year prior to the application date. Proof of residency will be required upon acceptance into the program.
• Must appear for a personal interview, if selected.
• 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 #71 at (716) 835-8836.

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.