News from New York State Department of Labor

For more information contact: The locat at 718-835-0400.

Operating Engineers Recruit Apprentices

NEW YORK, NY (04/15/2008; 1119)(readMedia)-- The International Union of Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship Committee, Local 15, will open recruitment from April 16 through April 30, 2008 for five operating engineer (heavy equipment) apprentices, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced today.

Applications will be available at the Local 15 Training Center, South End of Lefferts Blvd., South Ozone Park, Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., from April 16 through April 30, or until 50 applications have been issued, whichever occurs first. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than May 10.

The committee requires that applicants:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a high school or general equivalency diploma.
• Take an aptitude test.
• Be a United States citizen or legally able to work in the U.S.
• Have a valid driver's license -- apprentices may be required to drive heavy equipment through city streets.
• Sign an affidavit attesting to their physical ability to do the work.
• Pass a drug test after acceptance into the program – at the sponsor’s expense.

For further information, applicants should contact the New York State Department of Labor office located nearest their home or the local at (718) 835-0400.

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.

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APR No. 52