You can learn to be a machinist at Brooklyn Army Terminal

ApprenticeNYC program looking for participants

March 30, 2018 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Nine businesses operating out of the Brooklyn Army Terminal are taking part in the ApprenticeNYC program and will train new workers. Eagle file photo by Lore Croghan

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The Brooklyn Army Terminal, which is already a beehive of activity, is about to get a lot busier, thanks to a new partnership between the city and forward-thinking private businesses that will provide paid apprenticeships to workers hoping to gain a foothold in manufacturing.

Under a program called ApprenticeNYC, nine manufacturing businesses will provide participants with paid, full-time apprenticeships as computer numerical control (CNC) machinists. A CNC machinist is a high-tech industrial worker who produces machined parts.

After they completed the 18-month-long program, the apprentices will undergo further training to become full-time CNC machinists. Their salaries can rise to $25 per hour within four years, according to officials at the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), the agency spearheading the program.

ApprenticeNYC is now accepting applications from now until through April 14 for its first group of 15 participants. The program, which is led by SBS, is part of New York Works, a plan by Mayor Bill de Blasio to create 100,000 jobs during the next 10 years.

The nine businesses that have agreed to accept apprentices under the program are Altronix; Boyce Technologies, Inc.; GAL Manufacturing, LLC; Architectural Grille; Lee Spring; Linda Tool & Die Corp.; Magellan Aerospace New York, Inc.; Rosco Vision Systems; and Wiggby Precision Machine Corp.

The business owners said they welcome the opportunity to find new workers.

“Architectural Grille is excited to have the opportunity to participate in the ApprenticeNYC Program and applauds this initiative of the NYC Department of Small Business Services,” said Frederick D’Antoni, Special Project, Architectural Grille. “As a former educational administrator, I can attest to the importance of providing individuals with viable marketable skills, especially in a field such as manufacturing technology that traditionally experiences difficulty in locating qualified employees.”

Alan Forman, president of Altronix Corporation, said his company recognizes the need to train workers. “For more than three decades, Altronix has continued to design and manufacture high tech electronic products right here in Brooklyn, which are marketed and utilized globally. We recognize the need to cultivate skilled workers to remain competitive, in order to bring manufacturing jobs back to N.Y. and the U.S., and to ensure that our workforce remains relevant,” he said.

“We hope and expect to establish a strong pipeline for our next generation of workers. We’re happy that a comprehensive apprenticeship program such as this has arrived in New York City,” said Al Mangels, president of Lee Spring.

ApprenticeNYC, is the first program to be established as part of the de Blasio Administration’s investment of $5 million to create 450 apprenticeships in the industrial, health and tech industries during the next three years, officials said.

ApprenticeNYC will officially get underway in May with nine weeks of hands-on training that will include machine operation, math and blueprint reading. Participants will also pick up ways to improve their communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The pay will start at $15 an hour.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation, which operates the Brooklyn Army Terminal on Second Avenue and 58th Street in Sunset Park, is proving space within the facility for the ApprenticeNYC program.

The Brooklyn Army Terminal is currently home to more than 100 businesses that provide jobs for more than 3,500 workers.

City officials said they’re excited about ApprenticeNYC.

“As the economy becomes increasingly tech-focused, so must New Yorkers’ skill sets,” SBS Commissioner Gregg Bishop said in a statement. “With ApprenticeNYC, we’re ensuring that New Yorkers have the tools they need to fill in-demand jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry.”

James Patchett, president and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation, said the program will open the door to opportunity for many workers.

“ApprenticeNYC is a critical strategy in Mayor de Blasio’s New York Works plan to create 100,000 good-paying jobs that are accessible, regardless of educational background. This initiative will equip New Yorkers with modern skills and open the door for a good-paying career in an industry that’s growing,” he said.

“ApprenticeNYC is a critical program that will provide the tools and training needed to work in the advanced-manufacturing field, one that has traditionally been inaccessible for too many,” said Public Advocate Letitia James.

ApprenticeNYC is an entry-level program. Prior experience and formal education are not required to participate.

Anyone interested in applying for the internship program can visit www.nyc.gov/apprenticenyc or call 311 for more information.