Long Island City, NY (March 25, 2016) - The Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from April 25, 2016 through May 6, 2016 for 50 painter and decorator (structural steel - bridges) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Please note that the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions – the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and New York City regions.  This program’s jurisdiction includes Long Island, New York City, and Westchester County.

Applications must be obtained, in person only, from the Finishing Trades Institute of New York, 45-15 36^th Street, Long Island City, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, during the recruitment period.  The sponsor will be distributing 500 applications beginning on April 25th 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 high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection and prior to indenture.
• Must be physically able to perform the work required, as determined by a jobsite evaluation and a physical examination at the expense of the sponsor.
• Must sign an affidavit stating that they are physically able to perform the work of a painter and decorator (structural steel - bridges), which may include:
• 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 read, hear, and understand instructions and warnings in English.
• 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 New York 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.