The bulk of the meeting was the presentation and Q&A with Melissa Clark and Joe Madeline of the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund. A link to the presentation recording is in the resources box below.
Some points discussed in the chat and Q&A include;
- Can earn a college degree while going through the apprentice program. Can get an Associates degree with fewer credits and discounted tuition at Alfred State College (SUNY) and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology (Boston) through the union.
- Must have drivers license and reliable transportation to enter program. Lack of transportation and child care are the biggest barriers to people completing the program.
- Some trade apprenticeships have a math requirement, but the Carpenters one does not. They will work with apprentices to improve needed math skills.
- Much easier to get into trade apprentice programs than in the past. Have eliminated many barriers and the need for personal contacts in the union to get accepted.
- Participating in the Career Connections program offered to students in grades 9-12 or OSHA training can help you get accepted to the apprentice program.
- The Expertise Project started this year in Upstate New York. Its purpose is to expose students to careers in construction, engineering, and manufacturing. They are developing a streaming video platform to show students the behind-the-scenes in various careers.
- Coming up soon! Virtual sessions on Sisters in the Brotherhood, a pre-apprentice program for females will be held on March 24 and April 7. These are only offered once a year and registration is required: https://www.nasctf.org/sib-information-session-form/
- The union holds info sessions on the training program at 6:00 pm on the first Monday of the month at their Albany Headquarters at 16 Corporate Circle off Route 155 in Albany/Guilderland. Visit nasctf.org or call 518-438-1905 to register for an info session.
- The group will also do virtual presentations, career fairs, trade school panels, etc. for schools, school districts, PTA groups and so forth. They like to connect with parents because most do not know about these programs and how much they offer.
- Can arrange field trips for student groups to visit their training centers.
- Can provide posters and flyers for guidance counselors.
