(ALBANY, NEW YORK) - Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant investment of $2 million to enhance Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Programs across New York State.

This initiative, backed by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) and funded with State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant Funds awarded by the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), aims to elevate New York’s robust Apprenticeship Ecosystem, which currently boasts over 17,500 Apprentices and approximately 900 diverse programs.

In addition, Governor Hochul also proclaimed November as New York State Apprenticeship Month.

Governor Hochul said: "This investment in Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Programs across New York will help to strengthen the pipeline into our State’s Apprenticeship Network and give Workers the skills, the tools and the resources they need to thrive in the modern economy.  Registered Apprenticeships are the backbone of my Administration’s strategy to prepare New Yorkers for the jobs of tomorrow, and with this proclamation establishing New York State Apprenticeship Month, I am doubling down on my commitment to helping our workforce meet the needs of Twenty-First Century businesses.”

State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: "Apprenticeships allow New Yorkers to earn money to support themselves and their families while learning valuable skills and gaining work experience in hundreds of different fields.  By sponsoring Apprentices, businesses create a pipeline for a consistent influx of new, well-trained Employees.  I encourage businesses statewide to consider utilizing this valuable program that will provide them with a workforce committed to their success.”

Registered Apprenticeships do not only provide New Yorkers with a pathway to sustainable wages and career growth, but also furnish businesses with a steady stream of skilled Workers.

New York State has one of the largest Apprenticeship Programs in the country.

There are currently over 17,500 Registered Apprentices participating in various Skilled Trades in approximately 900 programs powered by over 600 sponsors across the State.

Participation in New York State Registered Apprenticeships continues to grow, with 4,651 newly enrolled Apprentices, 53 new programs and 8 new Trades in the last year alone.

New Trades include emerging fields like software development and art operations.

Registered Apprenticeships have been a pathway to careers in the Construction Industry for decades.  However, in recent years, companies outside the Construction Trades have recognized the value in this educational pathway and launched their own Apprenticeship Programs.

Organizations like the Manufacturers Alliance of New York and companies like Tiffany & Company are paving the way for the future expansion of Apprenticeship Programs that will open new doors for New Yorkers and build the State's talent pipeline to fill critical jobs.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: DURING NEW YORK STATE APPRENTICESHIP MONTH, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW FUNDING FOR PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS | Department of Labor (ny.gov)

Graph Courtesy Of Governor Hochul’s Press Office.