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NYSTA APPRENTICESHIP - GROW YOUR FUTURE WORKFORCE
General Information
Is your facility struggling to find and secure talent for specialized skilled positions? NYSTA's newest workforce initiative will offer Registered Apprenticeship for golf courses, sports turf, and turf businesses in New York. Registered Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality career pathway where employers can develop and prepare their future workforce, and individuals can obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable, nationally-recognized credential.
Are you an employer who has an employee that would be perfect for the apprenticeship program?
To get started, simply follow our Step-By-Step Instructions below:
#1
Complete the short online “Request for NYSTA Apprenticeship Information” form here: Request for NYSTA Apprenticeship Information (google.com)
#2
You will then be contacted to schedule a first discovery phone conversation.
#3
If interested in proceeding, you will be emailed three short forms to print and complete. One form (AT701) is for the employer, and two forms (AT401 & SUNY Release Form) is for the apprentice. Once completed and signed, they will be mailed to the NYSTA office (PO Box 612, Latham, NY 12110).
#4
Next, an invoice for the one-time apprenticeship administrative fee will be issued to the newly signed-on employer, and the apprentice will be emailed a short online SUNY intake form to complete.
#5
An on-the-job training outline will be sent for employers to follow, and SUNY Delhi will make contact with Groundskeeper apprentices to start their online related instruction. For Small Gas Engine & Equipment repair apprentices, visit GCSAA or Penn Foster's website to sign up for their certificate programs.
#6
SUNY Delhi will take care of filing for the educational expenses grant and funds will be applied to the Groundskeeper apprentice/student’s account for use over the two-year program.
#7
NYSTA’s Apprenticeship Coordinator will set up monthly or bi-monthly check-in calls/zoom meetings along the way to assist with keeping your apprentice on track. They will also forward any information or documents you will need to keep on file, and any tax credit applications you will need. The $900 per apprentice annual administrative fee will be invoiced at the end of the calendar year.
#8
If you plan to take advantage of the NYS apprenticeship tax credit that is available, you will need to apply for this credit each year .. and no later than December 31st. More information can be found here: https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/options-apprenticeship-program-sponsors
#9
Upon completion of the program, NYSDOL will issue a completion certificate to your apprentice.
What Is Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a time-honored approach to training skilled workers through a combination of on-the job training and classroom instruction. Each apprenticeable occupation has its own standard training outline which details the on-the-job training and classroom instruction required. Apprentices are full-time employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employment prospects. An apprentice operates under the close supervision of a skilled worker on the job and takes related classroom instruction at night or on weekends. A graduated pay scale assures that salary reflects the degree of skill achieved.
How Are Apprentices Selected & How Much Do They Get Paid?
Employers selects their own apprentices from their current workforce.
One of the requirements of a Registered Apprenticeship Program is a “wage progression.” The apprentice begins at an entry level salary and over the course of the training receives incremental increases as they successfully master their trade. Each company sets its own internal wage progression.
Will This Lead To A College Degree?
It can for apprentices in the Groundskeeper program. Our SUNY partners are experts at creating pathways to degrees; many of the classes can be applied to golf and turf management degree programs.
Who Does The Training?
The on-the-job training is done by your own facility. We will provide you with a detailed training outline for trainers/managers to follow. The related instruction, for the Groundskeeper Apprentices will be provided online by SUNY Delhi. There will also be one week in January for in-person instruction on the SUNY Delhi campus.
Read more here from The Daily Star Newspaper about the Groundskeeper Apprenticeship program.
For Apprentices in the Small Gas Engine & Equipment Mechanic Program, the educational component is provided online by GCSAA and Penn Foster. Course fees apply for both.
What Will This Cost?
Groundskeeper Apprenticeship:
The most exciting news is that financial support is being provided by SUNY and NYSDOL, which offers a substantial award up to $7,000 for each apprentice accepted into this program. This financial stipend covers nearly 100% of the educational component required for apprenticeship. (SUNY Delhi will apply for this on behalf of each apprentice and the funds will go directly into their SUNY Delhi account to cover their education).
Small Gas Engine & Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship: There are two parts to the educational component of this apprenticeship. The Penn Foster Automotive Repair Technician online course is $839, and students are given 1 year to complete it. With GCSAA, the apprentice will sign up as a free student member and can then be enrolled in the Equipment Maintenance Certificate Program. Level 1 is required and the cost for course study guides and exams is roughly $450,
For All: There is a one-time non-refundable investment fee of $2,500 to enroll in the program and $900 per apprentice annual administrative fee, however, employers may be eligible for government tax credits up to $5,000 per apprentice over the two year program.
There is no cost to apprentices.
Where Can I Find Information on NYS Tax Credits?
Please visit the NYSDOL Apprenticeship Tax Credit website here:
https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/options-apprenticeship-program-sponsors
What Do Currently Enrolled Apprentices & Employers Have To Say About The Program?
Here directly from those who are currently participating. Learn why they chose the program and what they hope to get out of being part of the first class of apprentices.
Do You Need To Be A NYSTA Member To Participate?
YES ... This is a NYSTA member benefit. However joining is very easy and affordable. Please use the button below to join at the general member annual rate of $140.
I'm Interested in Enrolling an Employee. What Happens Next?
Click the button below and complete the short contact form. From there, we will contact you to schedule a program informational call. If you're interested in moving forward from there, a few short forms required by NYSDOL will be sent for you to complete and return.
EMPLOYEE FAQ
NYSTA Apprenticeship Program
NYS Turfgrass Association - PO Box 612 - Latham, NY !2110
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