Long Island City, NY (February 8, 2016) - The Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from March 7, 2016 through March 18, 2016 for 50 drywall taper (finisher) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applications can 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 Monday, March 7, and continuing for a period of 10 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 site evaluation, a personal statement, and a physical examination, at the expense of the sponsor.
• Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to perform the work of a drywall taper (finisher), which may include:
• Lifting and moving heavy fixtures, equipment, and compound weighing up to 70 pounds.
• Working from ladders, scaffolds, stilts, and personnel lifts, which may exceed 100 feet in height.
• 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.