NYC Mayor Adams announces creation of 15,000 apprenticeships, ahead of schedule

In less than three years, more than 15,000 apprenticeship possibilities will be created in the city of Staten Island, New York, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

The goal of the Adams administration’s Apprenticeship Accelerator initiative is to provide diverse populations with entry points to on-demand jobs while also extending apprenticeship possibilities into new industries.

With the stated goal of 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030 and 15,000 by the end of 2024, the city is comfortably ahead of schedule. The commitment was initially made in Adams’ 2023 State of the City address.

Our goal is to increase employment possibilities in order to fulfill our vision of making New York City a more affordable and safe city. According to Adams, these apprenticeships provide firms who are investing in our communities with a talent pipeline and on-the-job training in high-demand careers.

The construction sector and other skilled crafts have been the primary focus of the majority of apprenticeship programs in New York City. The number of apprenticeship programs outside of construction has increased by 62% since the initiative, including new programs in public service, technology, and health care.

The Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal stated, “Our announcement of 15,000 apprenticeships by the end of 2024 is a powerful demonstration of the city’s commitment to building on ramps to economic mobility and ensuring that employers can tap the talent they need to thrive.”

The Apprenticeship Community of Practice, which was introduced by the Apprenticeship Accelerator in October, will convene to identify obstacles and offer solutions for the city’s apprenticeship expansion.

The city has contributed $1.8 million to establish new apprenticeship programs, increasing the total amount of public and private funding committed in apprenticeships under the Adams administration to almost $15 million.

First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer stated, “This milestone is a testament to the hard work of our public- and private-sector employers, and this administration has delivered on its promise to increase apprenticeship opportunities.” Because of the variety of apprenticeship programs, New Yorkers from various walks of life can find fulfilling jobs that capitalize on their varied interests and skills.