Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that Kingsborough Community College’s Maritime Technology Apprenticeship Program (MTAP) was awarded $857,543 in funding as part of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s New York State Workforce Development Initiative (WDI), which is investing $175 million statewide for job training projects.
Kingsborough’s MTAP is the New York State Department of Labor’s first approved apprenticeship program in marine mechanics.
Awarded projects will support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses’ short-term workforce needs, long-term industry needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities and expand workplace-learning opportunities.
“The number one issue I hear from employers across the state is that they can’t find workers with the skills they need for 21st century jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, following a tour of the College’s maritime facility. “That is why we are investing $2.3 million in nine New York City-based job training programs that will benefit hundreds of New Yorkers as part of our historic $175 million Workforce Development Initiative. Whether it’s home care, the culinary arts or marine engineering, we are investing and working to close the skills gap and prepare New Yorkers for jobs today and in the future.”
Kingsborough Community College’s Maritime Technology Apprenticeship Program will train students as marine service technicians for careers at sea and ashore through on-the-job training and formal classroom technical instruction. The apprentice will gain hands-on experience working as a paid employee, while attending technical courses as a matriculated Maritime Technology student one day per week during each semester at Kingsborough Community College. Upon completion of the four-year program, they will earn an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree in Maritime Technology and the title of Journeyman from the NYS Department of Labor.
“We are thrilled to be the first recipient in New York City of this significant award and look forward to deploying the next generation of highly trained and educated marine service technicians into the workforce,” said Kingsborough Community College President Claudia V. Schrader.
MTAP at Kingsborough will address the immediate barrier of college tuition and provide students with supportive services like MetroCards and food vouchers. Apprentices will have access to onsite academic support, food pantry, urban farm, Single Stop office and other valuable services that only Kingsborough offers.
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, have a clean drivers’ license and provide their own transportation, be 18 years of age, legally able work in the United States, and physically able to do the job. While in the program, apprentices must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average. Random employee-mandated drug testing may be required. Veterans are encouraged to apply and can use their education and housing benefits. Military experience may also count toward advanced standing in technical subjects.
Other New York City WDI awardees include Bronx Community College, Center for Employment Opportunities, Leap Inc., The Osborne Association, Inc., St. Nicks Alliance, Morrisania Revitalization Corporation, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow and Visiting Nurse Service of New York. More information about the Workforce Development Initiative and the awards announced to date is available at workforcedevelopment.ny.gov.
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