Karen Juanita Carrillo at The New York Amsterdam News reports on the third annual Union & Apprenticeship Fair that was held last week at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The event provided New Yorkers with access to stable, well-paying, Skilled Trades and Industrial-Union careers. The Fair gave those in attendance a chance to connect with Union Recruiters from New York City’s leading industries and offered access to training, Apprenticeships and jobs in a City known for its Labor History. When it was initially launched, the Union & Apprenticeship Fair was in response to community calls for access to real jobs. It has since grown, welcoming hundreds of Career and Technical Education (CTE) students and community members each year. Last year, nearly 100 CTE students and about 200 residents participated. Nikki Evans, who serves as Senior Vice President for Workforce Development and Education at the Navy Yard, has directed the fair for the past two years. Under her lead, the event has broadened its focus, welcoming not only traditional Trade Unions – but also Public Utility and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs. Establishing connections with Labor Unions is also crucial for the job seekers. Unions provide stable wages, benefits and opportunities for advancement in traditional trades like electrical work, plumbing, and construction – as well as in emerging areas such as climate technology and sustainability infrastructure. Starting wages in machining, for instance, range from $24 to $25 an hour and rise with experience. Said Evans: “Apprentices are coming in to learn the technology and existing Union Members are making decisions about upskilling into new fields.”
For More On This Apprenticeship And Training Labor News Story, Go To: Union & Apprenticeship Fair at Brooklyn Navy Yard set for April 16
Photo Courtesy Of The New York Amsterdam News.