FRANKFORT, NY - The Empire State Highway Contractor's Association, Inc., will conduct a recruitment from January 6 through December 1, 2010 for the following apprentices: two carpenter (heavy/highway), three operating engineer (grading & paving equipment), and seven skilled construction craft laborers, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith announced today.

Applications will be available at Empire State Highway Contractor's Association, 2481 Higby Road, Frankfort, NY, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month excluding legal holidays, or online at their website, during the recruitment period.

The committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
• After selection a physical may be required by signatory contractors and a mandatory drug and alcohol test may be administered.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from work sites and classes of related instruction.
• Must be able to lift and carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must have valid driver's license required to operate company vehicles.
• Must have six (6) months trade related experience – not applicable for skilled construction craft laborer applicants.

For further information, applicants should contact the New York State Department of Labor office located nearest their home or Empire State Highway Contractor's Association at 315-895-5303.

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.