State employees complete trades training through our union
When it comes to recruiting and retaining public workers, training often plays a key role.
Nearly 60 CSEA-represented members employed by state agencies across New York recently completed a two-year Applied Skilled Trades Program through the NYS & CSEA Partnership for Education and Training. The programs are available to CSEA-represented New York 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 online for a semester due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programs, held at no cost to members, helped the state develop a highly skilled workforce and to provide 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, 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.
Below, we feature a few CSEA members who recently completed the program.
