It Pays to Have an Apprenticeship Program

Hello Partners,

I am happy to announce that NYS Registered Apprentices that are taking classes at SUNY community colleges in the region – Monroe, Finger Lakes and Genesee community colleges – are going to see an increase in SUNY Apprenticeship Funds. These changes are in progress, but I wanted to share what I have already learned.

· Each apprentice in a four-year trade will now receive up to $8,000 in SUNY Funds. This is an increase from the $5,000 per apprentice allocated back in 2021.

· The increase comes after the RTMA and its statewide partners advocated for the increase so that apprentices can complete their related training and instruction with little to no debt – and little to no burden on your company.

· Any apprentice who begins related training and instruction after today (April 2, 2024) will be eligible for the $8,000 in SUNY Funds for a three or four-year trade. I will work with the local community colleges to ensure a smooth transition.

o Current apprentices in these trades will receive an additional $3,000 in SUNY funds if needed.

· Apprentices in a two-year or 16-month trade will still receive $6,000 in SUNY Funds for their related instruction, which should cover all necessary classes.

o Current apprentices in these trades will receive an additional $1,000 in SUNY funds if needed.

· If an apprentice has less than $1,000 remaining in their account, they will receive the increase in funds. Again, I will work with the community colleges to make it happen.

· If the apprentice has more than $1,000 remaining in SUNY funds, they will have to spend that down below the threshold, then will be eligible for the increase.

o SUNY has told me there is some flexibility, so I will work with the community college on making this as stress-free as possible.

· According to SUNY, the apprentices should be grandfathered into this, but each one will be on a case-by-case basis. I will continue to work with the apprentice, the community college and your company to provide high quality service and lessen any stress or headache for you.

Again, the RTMA is excited to announce this tuition assistance increase with SUNY and our local community colleges. As we learn more, we will be scheduling a webinar in the near future to discuss the changes in more detail. I will send that information to you all as it develops.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Thank you for your partnership with the RTMA on the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program.

Best,

Rich Turner