Cheektowaga, NY (February 24, 2014) - The Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York (Buffalo) will conduct a recruitment from March 3, 2014 through February 27, 2015 for six painter/decorator (structural steel and bridges) apprentices State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera announced today.  

            Please note that the openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for all four recruitment regions – the Central, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Western regions.

             Applications can be obtained from the following locations:

• 585 Aero Drive, Cheektowaga, NY from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications will only be accepted at this location during open recruitment, which takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

• 622 W. State St., Suite 2, Ithaca, NY from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications can only be obtained and submitted during these open recruitment sessions. 

• 318 Madison Ave., Elmira, NY from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications will only be accepted at this location during open recruitment, which takes place on the second Thursday of each month, excluding legal holidays, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

• 171 Front St., Binghamton, NY from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications will only be accepted at this location on the second Wednesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

• 615 West Genesee St., Syracuse, NY from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications will only be accepted at this location during open recruitment, which takes place on the first Monday of each month, excluding legal holidays, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  In September, open recruitment will be on Tuesday, September 2^nd, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

• 244 Paul Rd., Rochester, NY from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications will only be accepted at this location during open recruitment, which takes place on the first Wednesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

• 28 West Bridge St., Oswego, NY from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period.  Applications can only be obtained and submitted during these open recruitment sessions. 

            The Committee requires that applicants: 

• Must be at least 17 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 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. 

• Must pass a physical exam, which may include 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 and related instruction will be in Buffalo, NY once a week.
• 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 NY 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.