Syracuse, NY (February 28, 2014) - The Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York (Syracuse) will conduct a continuous recruitment from March 3, 2014 through February 2, 2015 for three painter, decorator, and paperhanger apprentices and two glazier apprentices, State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.

Please note that the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for the Finger Lakes, Central, and Mohawk Valley regions.  This program’s jurisdiction includes the counties of Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Seneca.

Applications may be obtained from 615 W. Genesee St., Syracuse, NY, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Applications will be accepted on the first Monday of each month from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., except for legal holidays.  In September, applications will be accepted on Tuesday, September 2, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.     

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
• Must attest in writing that he/she is physically capable of performing the work of the trade, which may include:
• Climbing and working from ladders, scaffolds, poles, and towers.
• Crawling and working in confined spaces.
• Lifting and carrying 50 to 100 pounds.
• Walking fast on level surfaces.
• May be required to have a physical exam, including drug screening, after selection and prior to indenture.  Costs for medical exams are at the expense of the sponsor.
• Must be legally able to work in the United States.
• Must possess a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Must have unlimited and unrestricted access to reliable transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction.  Job sites are throughout western New York.  Related instruction will be in Geneva, NY, at one-week intervals, four times each year.
• 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 the Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York at (716) 565-0112.

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.