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

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Mayor Eric Adams announced the creation of more than 15,000 apprenticeship opportunities in the city in less than three years.

The Adams administration’s Apprenticeship Accelerator program aims to expand apprenticeship opportunities into new industries and serve diverse populations with entry points for on-demand jobs.

The commitment was first introduced in Adams’ 2023 State of the City address, and with the announced target of creating 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030, 15,000 by the end of 2024 means the city is well ahead of schedule.

“Our mission is to make New York City a safer, more affordable city, and through expanding job opportunities, we are doing just that. These apprenticeships offer on-the-job training with employment opportunities in high-demand careers, and they create a pipeline of talent for employers who are investing in our communities,” said Adams.

Most apprenticeship opportunities in New York City have focused mainly on the construction industry and other skilled trades. Since the initiative, the amount of non-construction apprenticeship programs grew by 62%, including new programs in health care, technology, and public service.

“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 ensure that employers can tap the talent they need to thrive,” said Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal.

In October, the Apprenticeship Accelerator launched the “Apprenticeship Community of Practice,” which will come together to suggest solutions on how the city can expand apprenticeships and identify challenges, as well as how to address them.

The city has invested $1.8 million to diversify new apprenticeship programs, bringing total Adams administration investment in apprenticeships to more than $15 million in public and private funds.

“This administration has made good on its promise to increase apprenticeship opportunities, and this milestone is a testament to the hard work of our public- and private-sector employers,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer. “The range of apprenticeship opportunities ensures that New Yorkers of all backgrounds can access meaningful employment opportunities that tap into their diverse experiences and interests.”