Every November, New York State Apprenticeship Month honors the tradespeople who build our cities, power our homes, and shape the state’s future. For many, apprenticeship isn’t just a career pathway — it’s a fair chance to start again with purpose and pride.
Across New York, people are proving that with determination and discipline, the tools of the trade can become the tools for a new life. Through partnerships with pre-apprenticeship programs such as Upstate Union Pathways and the New York State Building & Construction Trades Council, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) is helping participants gain access to training that connects directly to long-term union careers — opportunities they’ve earned through hard work and perseverance.
Harlen: Painting His Own Future
When Harlen was growing up as the thirteenth of sixteen children, life in Albany was loud, loving, and full of lessons about toughness. His mother taught him to stand tall, even when life hit hard. That strength carried him through years of setbacks — including the loss of both parents and the struggle to find work after earning his degree in architectural design.
Determined to make his own way, Harlen launched a painting business and later enrolled in a pre-apprenticeship through CEO where he found his way to the painters’ union. He took every certification offered and saw the program through to the end.
Today, Harlen is a journeyman painter at SUNY Albany, proud of the trade he’s built. “It feels good to say I’m a high earner now,” he says. “Being in the union means belonging — it’s a real brotherhood.” Read Harlen’s full story here
Sterling: From the Streets to Solar
Sterling’s story begins in 1980s Brooklyn, in the middle of a drug epidemic that reshaped entire neighborhoods. After years of incarceration, he decided it was time to rebuild. He joined the pre-apprenticeship offered at CEO Buffalo, which challenged him to learn new skills — and a new way of thinking.
“Staying focused was the hardest part. But graduating — that was the reward,” he says.
Today, Sterling works in the electrical trades, installing solar panels and cables across large industrial sites. “Being in the union means people have your back,” he says. “It’s about building forward, not going back.”
Read Sterling’s full story here.
Felix: Finding Stability and Purpose
After serving time for a minor offense, Felix returned home to Buffalo determined to start over. He joined a pre-apprenticeship program that introduced him to carpentry and safety training — and to a different vision of his future.
“The whole process was a learning experience,” Felix says. “It was hard, but it showed me what I’m capable of.”
Now working with the carpenters’ union on a large solar farm project, Felix is proud of the impact he’s making. “I never thought I’d be part of something that helps the planet and gives me a career,” he says. “This is long-term. This is what I needed.”
Read Felix’s full story here.
Eric: Rebuilding Life Through the Union
Growing up in Buffalo’s public housing, Eric learned to depend on his humor and drive to get through hard times. But after a turbulent home life and incarceration, he was ready for change. A pre-apprenticeship helped him gain hands-on experience in sustainable construction, solar installation, and carpentry — skills that led him to Carpenters Local 276.
Now, Eric installs solar panels and supports his wife and kids with union benefits and steady work.
“It’s like a brotherhood,” he says. “Everyone works together, and we get the job done. This changed my life. I love what I’m doing.”
Partner Perspective: Changing the Culture of Work
Jomo Akono, Council Representative and Career Connections Specialist with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, sees the impact of apprenticeship every day.
“Apprenticeship gives people a real chance to show up ready, willing, and capable,” Akono says. “These workers bring confidence, competence, and discipline — qualities that change the culture of job sites and the people who make decisions.”
He believes the outcomes go beyond employment.
“If we help rebuild people, we can build our families, our communities, and our security. Everyone deserves the dignity and pride of contributing to society.”
A Month to Honor the Builders Among Us
Apprenticeship Month is about recognizing people like Harlen, Sterling, Felix, and Eric — New Yorkers who didn’t wait for opportunity to come to them. They showed up, learned the craft, and earned their place in the union ranks.
They remind us that behind every building, bridge, and solar panel stands someone who worked hard to build not just their career — but their future.
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