Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation declaring November as New York State Apprenticeship Month. The proclamation celebrates New York's apprenticeship program, which is one of the largest in the nation with more than 17,000 registered apprentices in various skilled trades and more than 900 programs across the state. Registered apprenticeships offer a critical pathway for New Yorkers to access quality career opportunities through hands-on learning and direct work experience with high wages and good benefits. The New York State Department of Labor visited Tiffany & Co. today to celebrate the launch of their parent company, LVMH's first New York State Registered Apprenticeship program. NYSDOL will continue to visit other apprenticeship programs all around the state throughout the month.   

"Apprenticeships act as a critical launch pad for impactful, high-wage careers, and we are proud to have one of the nation's strongest and most robust apprenticeship programs right here in New York," Governor Hochul said. "During the inaugural New York State Apprenticeship Month, we celebrate the many local businesses that are expanding opportunities for New York job seekers and the thousands of registered apprentices, labor groups, and trade organizations working to fill critical jobs and build our state's talent pipeline."   

New York State has one of the largest apprenticeship programs in the country. There are currently 17,113 registered apprentices participating in various skilled trades in 912 programs powered by 622 sponsors across New York State. Participation in New York State registered apprenticeships continues to grow, with 79 new programs and 15 new trades in the last year alone.   

Registered apprenticeships have been the backbone of the construction industry for decades. However, in recent years, companies outside of the construction trades have recognized the value in this educational pathway and launched their own apprenticeship programs. Organizations like the Manufacturers Alliance of New York and companies like Tiffany & Co. are paving the way for the future expansion of apprenticeship programs that will open new doors for New Yorkers and build the state's talent pipeline to fill critical jobs.   

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Registered apprenticeships empower New Yorkers to earn money to support themselves and their families, while learning the skills they need to succeed. I thank Governor Hochul for shining a spotlight on this time-honored program, which is giving New Yorkers of all backgrounds unprecedented opportunity to secure rewarding, in-demand careers across the economic spectrum."     

Gena Smith, Chief Human Resources Officer, LVMH North America said, "Through our Métiers D'Excellence Registered Apprenticeship program, LVMH strives to introduce artisanal and luxury crafts to a broader audience while simultaneously building a diverse and robust talent pipeline for our 75+ global luxury brands. We thank the New York State Department of Labor for their collaboration with Tiffany & Co. to train the first cohort of the next generation of craftspeople in jewelry design and fabrication in the U.S."

Mary Bellai, Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Tiffany & Co. said, "We are excited to commence the Métiers d'Excellence program following our recently launched social impact platform, Tiffany Atrium. The Métiers d'Excellence initiative will enable us to reinforce the diversity and inclusivity of Tiffany & Co.'s workforce through one of our core pillars of Tiffany Atrium - education. Our efforts will support the long-term growth and development of students, early career professionals and educational institutions in the U.S."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the New York State Building Trades said, "As New York continues to invest in critical infrastructure and clean energy projects, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs that offer practical, onsite training, will play a key role in developing a highly skilled workforce of tradesmen and tradeswomen who can effectively drive these initiatives forward. We thank Governor Hochul for highlighting the crucial role of these programs by designating November as New York State Apprenticeship Month. We remain committed to offering New Yorkers from marginalized communities and diverse backgrounds a path to good-paying jobs and the middle class via a career in the unionized construction industry and look forward to seeing the continued contributions these individuals make in building New York back better."

Randy Wolken, President of MACNY and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York said, "New York's Registered Apprenticeship program continues to expand across the state, offering hardworking residents the chance to earn as they learn through direct work experience. MACNY and our Alliance Partners are proud to partner with the New York State Department of Labor, SUNY, and other learning institutions to provide registered apprenticeship programs and to help fill the growing workforce needs of new and emerging industries. We thank Governor Hochul for proclaiming November as New York State Apprenticeship Month and for recognizing and supporting these ongoing workforce initiatives."  

NYSDOL kicked off New York State Apprenticeship Month by visiting Tiffany & Co. for the launch of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy's first Métiers d'Excellence program in the United States with Tiffany & Co. This registered apprenticeship program will train future jewelers in design and retail service with a focus on recruiting artists from historically underrepresented communities. Eight apprentices are currently enrolled in the inaugural program. SUNY's Fashion Institute of Technology will be assisting with the training of the apprentices.       

In addition to the visit to Tiffany & Co., NYSDOL will travel the state to meet with registered apprenticeship programs including the Classroom Academy in the Capital Region, Nail Creek Pub & Brewery in the Mohawk Valley, the City of Buffalo Fire Department in Western New York, Sheetmetal Worker Local 58 in Central New York, Electricians JAC of Jamestown Local #106 in the Southern Tier, Strategic Global Aviation LLC in the Mohawk Valley and more. These events will be highlighted on NYSDOL's social media platforms.   

NYSDOL continues to expand registered apprenticeships into new sectors across New York State in partnership with the New York State Education Department, which provides oversight of the programs' instruction component. Businesses interested in launching a program should visit NYSDOL's apprenticeship resource webpage.    

SUNY Interim Chancellor Deborah F. Stanley said, "SUNY's long-standing partnerships with the New York State Department of Labor and businesses throughout our state result in a wide array of apprenticeship opportunities that grow each year. This particular collaboration between renowned Tiffany & Co., their parent company and global luxury leader, LVMH, and the Fashion Institute of Technology, is the first in our nation, and creates an exciting opportunity for these eight individuals to launch a fulfilling career in jewelry design and retail service. Our thanks to Governor Hochul for her commitment to apprenticeships and workforce development, and the ongoing New York State investment necessary to grow our programs."

Dr. Joyce Brown, President of the Fashion Institute of Technology said, "The apprenticeship programs from leading companies like LVMH and Tiffany & Co. are building a pipeline between academia and industry that gives our talented FIT students the pathway to develop the experience and skills they need for successful careers. Apprenticeship has long been a vital part of workforce development and I want to thank Governor Hochul and the Department of Labor for lifting up this important initiative that gives businesses access to the talent pool across NYS."

New York State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "When we share our work and learn from one another, our collective capacity grows, and all our students benefit. A career pathway that includes apprenticeships allows individuals to begin a career and learn at the same time, providing a strong foundation for exciting careers."  

New York State Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "It is critical that we provide the opportunity, knowledge, and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive global environment. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training, combined with related classroom education, that can open doors for students that were previously locked."