(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Nearly 60 Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA)-represented Members employed by New York State agencies across New York recently completed a two-year Applied Skilled Trades Program through the NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training Program, which is made available to CSEA-represented State Workers via their Union contract.

Seven groups of participants from across the State met weekly for the training programs, which included classroom and hands-on training in carpentry, electrician, or plumber and steamfitter. 

During the hands-on programs, held at several State Parks and other facilities, Members worked at projects that included renovating cabins at State Parks, plumbing upgrades in bathroom and new lighting and electrical improvements to offices. 

Participants in this program also faced an additional challenge when learning shifted on-line for a semester due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. 

The programs, held at no cost to CSEA Members, helped the State develop a highly-skilled workforce and provided Members with training to potentially advance their careers.

“This program exemplifies how Labor and management can work together for the benefit of all,” said Karen Chase-Corcoran, who serves as Co-Director of the NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training. “Without the backing of Labor and management, we would not be able to offer this wonderful opportunity.” 

About 114 State Employees recently began the 2023-2025 Applied Skilled Trades Program.

To Learn More And Read What CSEA Members Who Recently Completed The Program Had To Say, Go To: Building skills builds our union (cseany.org)