Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills

Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills (CSKILLS) – New York, NY

Program Information

The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills (CSKILLS) offers pre-apprenticeship training programs designed to prepare New York City residents for careers in the unionized building and construction trades. The programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, covering areas such as professionalism, job readiness, basic construction math, industry overview, and technical skills. Participants also receive safety training, including OSHA 30-hour Construction Safety and Health certification.

Program Length

The duration of the programs varies:

• Youth Program: Conducted over a total of 170 hours, including 10 weeks of classroom training during the spring semester of senior year and 3 weeks of full-time hands-on training in the summer after graduation.
• Adult Program: Conducted over a total of 175 hours, with two cycles per year during spring and fall. Candidates must attend an Information and Testing Session to apply.

Programs Offered

• Youth Program for New York City Public High School Seniors
• Adult Program for New York City Residents

Certifications & Career Opportunities

Graduates earn a Direct Entry referral to a unionized registered apprenticeship program for which they are qualified. This pathway provides opportunities for meaningful long-term careers offering high wages, health benefits, and retirement security. CSKILLS has placed more than 2,500 New York City residents into apprenticeship programs jointly sponsored by union affiliates of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC).

Program Requirements

• Youth Program:
  • New York City Public High School Senior
  • Interest in a career in unionized construction
  • 70% cumulative GPA
  • 90% attendance record
  • Able to attend pre-apprenticeship training
  • Able to perform physical work
  • Committed to a clean and sober environment
• Adult Program:
  • Resident of the five boroughs of New York City
  • 18+ years old
  • High school diploma or equivalency
  • Legally eligible to work in the U.S.
  • Able to attend full-time training
  • Able to perform physical work
  • Committed to a clean and sober environment

Financial Aid & Support Services

CSKILLS provides free pre-apprenticeship training programs to eligible participants. Support services include academic counseling, career placement assistance, and additional resources such as trades speaker series, union apprenticeship facility tours, interview and exam preparation, and resume writing workshops.

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