THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COMMISSIONER REARDON VISIT...

NYSDOL Awards More Than $19,000 to Support Expanding Programming in Western New York

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon visited two Buffalo schools to mark National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates registered apprenticeships as an often debt-free pathway to careers in today's most in-demand fields. During these visits, Commissioner Reardon met with students, teachers, and administrators to discuss the programs' benefits and awarded funds to support Buffalo's growing teacher apprenticeship pipeline. Workforce development initiatives like registered apprenticeship programs are a cornerstone of Governor Hochul's vision to make New York an affordable state to work, live, and raise a family.

At PS 305 McKinley High School Commissioner Reardon toured Career and Technical Education (CTE) classrooms and spoke with students and staff about the opportunities available through registered apprenticeship programs. Buffalo Public Schools' CTE Training Program prepares students for careers in high-demand fields by helping them earn industry-recognized credentials and college credits. The program partners with NYSDOL as a direct entry provider, preparing students for registered apprenticeship programs in trades like plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, and more.

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, Registered apprenticeships continue to positively impact the lives of New Yorkers statewide. Apprentices earn a paycheck from day one while gaining valuable skills and hands-on experience, while employers receive a workforce trained to their specific needs. If you are seeking a great-paying career, or if you are a young New Yorker thinking about your next move after graduation, I strongly encourage you to learn more about registered apprenticeships and how they can work for you."

Commissioner Reardon also visited PS156 Frederick Law Olmsted, where she presented a $19,071 check to support the expansion of Buffalo Public Schools' Teacher Apprenticeship Program. The program is designed to build the educator workforce and address teacher shortages by helping existing school employees, including teaching assistants, receive the training and hands-on experience they need to become certified teachers.

Buffalo Public Schools Superintendent Pascal Mubenga said, "Apprenticeships don't just teach hands-on skills; they turn high school students into confident and capable individuals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and start meaningful careers right out of high school. I am pleased Commissioner Roberta Reardon chose to visit two Buffalo Public Schools to encourage students and their families to consider apprenticeships as a way to thrive in their careers. The Buffalo Public Schools CTE programs are providing our students with the skills employers are seeking."

Registered apprenticeships span a wide range of industries, including cybersecurity, healthcare, information technology, financial services, childcare, education, transportation, engineering, and advanced manufacturing.

As of December 2025, NYSDOL supported more than 18,000 apprentices across more than 900 programs offered by nearly 600 sponsors statewide. In 2025 alone, NYSDOL approved 107 new programs, 44 new sponsors, and 17 new trades.

New Yorkers interested in learning more about registered apprenticeships can visit the NYSDOL Apprenticeship Webpage. Businesses interested in sponsoring a program can learn more by visiting the NYSDOL Apprenticeship Sponsor Webpage.