MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES $2 MILLION INVESTMENT TO BUILD AND EXPAND APPRENTICESHIPS ACROSS DIVERSE SECTORS

 

Funding Will Create New Apprenticeship Opportunities for New Yorkers in  Child Care, Nursing, Information Technology, and More 

 

New Programs Expected to Serve Over 300 Apprentices, Help New York City  Reach Mayor Adams’ ‘30x30’ Moonshot Apprenticeship Goal 

 

Investment Part of Adams Administration’s “Jobs Week,” Highlighting City’s  Effort to Ensure Opportunity Reaches Every Borough, Block, and Neighborhood 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams continued “Jobs Week” by awarding $2.1 million to nine organizations to create, expand, and implement apprenticeships in diverse sectors and connect more underserved New Yorkers to good-paying careers. This funding will help three organizations develop new apprenticeship programs and another six organizations grow existing programs. Today’s investment will also help New York City achieve Mayor Adams’ 2023 State of the City ‘30x30’ goal of connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships by 2030; Mayor Adams announced, last year, that New York City has already surpassed 15,000 apprenticeship opportunities in fewer than three years and put the administration ahead of schedule. To help meet this ambitious goal, Mayor Adams also launched the Apprenticeship Accelerator, a dedicated team housed within the Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce Development (NYC Talent) to work across the public and private sectors and expand apprenticeship opportunities. The investment unveiled today is part of Mayor Adams’ Jobs Week, highlighting the city’s efforts to ensure job opportunities ​reach​ every borough, block, and neighborhood and advancing Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City commitment to make New York City the best, most affordable place to raise a family. 

 

“Our administration is fighting every day to make New York City the best place to raise a family, and creating more apprenticeships and providing more New Yorkers with opportunities will help get us there,” said Mayor Adams. “These investments will not only connect hundreds of New Yorkers to apprenticeships today, but set them up for good-paying careers tomorrow. They will help us reach our moonshot goal of 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030 and put even more money back into the pockets of New Yorkers as we create a safer, more affordable city for all.” 

 

“Today’s announcement is a win-win for job seekers and employers alike as apprenticeships are one of the most effective ways to position New Yorkers for careers that offer economic mobility and security,” said NYC Talent Executive Director Abby Jo Sigal. “Apprenticeships provide the city’s diverse talent with industry-valued experience, while earning a good wage, learning in-demand skills, and giving employers access to the high-quality talent they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving and complex economy.” 

 

“At CUNY, we are committed to preparing our students for careers that are prosperous and fulfilling, and we are grateful to Mayor Adams and our partners at NYC Talent for supporting the creation of a range of apprenticeship opportunities,” said City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Apprenticeships give our students a direct and expedient path to jobs. These new programs will also benefit a growing number of employers in high-demand sectors by connecting them to exceptional talent that fully reflects our city’s great diversity.” 

 

The awardees announced today responded to two requests for proposals (RFPs) — one RFP for planning and one RFP for implementation — released by NYC Talent to foster the development of new apprenticeships; create new programming in high-demand careers; and diversify sectors that use apprenticeships to hire, train, and retain talent. All nine awardees will also contribute to NYC Talent’s Apprenticeship Accelerator, which brings together over 50 talent development practitioners from key sectors to grow the number of apprenticeship opportunities, champion apprenticeship in new industries, examine policy and practice barriers, and make apprenticeships more accessible for all New Yorkers. 

 

The following organizations have been awarded grants to develop new apprenticeship programs: 

 

•    Pursuit: to expand pathways to careers in technology for diverse New Yorkers. 

•   On Ramps: to build a community of employers, mentors, and job seekers in information technology and software development. 

•   Spectrum U: to develop programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers for neurodivergent job seekers. 

 

The following organizations have been awarded grants to grow and implement apprenticeship programs: 

 

•    New Jewish Home: to create a registered apprenticeship program for certified nursing assistants for out of school or out-of-work young adults. 

•   Per Scholas: to diversify the technology sector in high-growth occupations through rigorous technology training and relationships with employer networks. 

•   CUNY Early Childhood Professional Development Institute: to help reduce the shortage of qualified child-care workers. 

•   Pursuit: to create registered apprenticeships in software development and other emerging technology occupations. 

•   Open Classrooms: to expand its online training for in-demand information technology roles. 

•   Kennedy School: to convert its current teacher residency program into a registered apprenticeship. 

 

Historically, apprenticeship opportunities in New York City have overwhelmingly focused on the construction industry and other skilled trades. The Adams administration has worked to expand apprenticeship opportunities in new industries and serve diverse populations, creating entry points for in-demand jobs that power the city’s economy, including the green economy, health care, technology, and other sectors. The amount of non-construction apprenticeship programs has grown by 62 percent, including new programs in health care, technology, culinary arts, and public service. 

 

Some highlights of this tremendous growth include: 

 

•   4,000 more health care apprenticeships now than there were in 2022.    

•   A nearly 2,000 percent increase in the number of apprenticeships in technology since 2022.    

•   A nearly 2,300 percent increase in the number of apprenticeships in professional services. 

 

Apprenticeships take collaboration and commitment across sectors and in partnership with both public and private partners. New stakeholders — including Fortune 500 companies, public-sector agencies, and educational institutions — are stepping up to create more apprenticeship opportunities for New Yorkers.  

 

Justice Department Secures Agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools to Resolve Alleged Discrimination Against U.S. Air Force Reserve Member

 

The Justice Department announced that a federal judge in Oklahoma City has approved an agreement with Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS) to resolve allegations that OKCPS violated Air Force Reserve Staff Sergeant Michael J. McCullough’s rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). The department’s lawsuit alleged that OKCPS violated USERRA when it failed to renew Mr. McCullough’s employment contract because of his military deployment and then failed to reinstate him on his return.

“When servicemembers answer their nation’s call — leaving home and work to serve and protect us — federal law protects them against employment discrimination and unjust termination,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Wolfe of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Veterans must be able to serve their country free from worry about jeopardizing civilian career opportunities.”

“We owe it to our service members to safeguard their employment rights when they are deployed,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma. “Doing so shields the service member and their families from suffering financial and other hardships extending beyond the term of the deployment.  My office will continue to vigorously defend the rights justly earned by military veterans who serve our country.”

According to the complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, Mr. McCullough was employed as a music teacher at OKCPS’s Fillmore Elementary School in January 2022. He was under contract for the remainder of the school year, and his principal told him that she wanted him to return to teach the following year. In February 2022, Mr. McCullough was ordered to perform military service. When he notified his principal, she suggested it would be easier if he just resigned his teaching position. Less than a month later, during his deployment, OKCPS advised Mr. McCullough that his contract would not be renewed for the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to and on his return from active military duty, OKCPS refused Mr. McCullough’s repeated requests for reemployment, despite available positions.

Under the agreement, OKCPS will pay Mr. McCullough monetary damages, and it will revise its polices, practices, and trainings to prevent violations of USERRA.

USERRA is a federal statute that prohibits employment discrimination based on military status, service, or obligation and protects the rights of uniformed servicemembers to retain their civilian employment following absences due to military service obligations. The Justice Department gives high priority to the enforcement of servicemembers’ rights under USERRA. Additional information about USERRA can be found on the Justice Department’s websites at https://www.justice.gov/crt/laws-we-enforce and www.justice.gov/servicemembers, as well as on the Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/userra.

The Department of Labor referred this matter to the Justice Department following an investigation by its Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.

Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition in Suing to Stop Elon Musk and DOGE’s Attacks on Americans

  

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration to stop the unauthorized disclosure of Americans’ private information and sensitive data. Attorney General James’ lawsuit asserts that the Trump administration illegally provided Elon Musk and the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)” unauthorized access to the Treasury Department’s central payment system, and therefore to Americans’ most sensitive personal information, including bank account details and Social Security numbers. This expanded access could allow Musk and his team to block federal funds to states and programs providing health care, childcare, and other critical services. With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general are seeking to stop the Trump administration’s new policy that illegally grants DOGE, Musk, and others access to Americans’ confidential information and the U.S. Treasury’s payment systems.

“As the richest man in the world, Elon Musk is not used to being told ‘no,’ but in our country, no one is above the law,” said Attorney General James. “President Trump does not have the power to give away Americans’ private information to anyone he chooses, and he cannot cut federal payments approved by Congress. Musk and DOGE have no authority to access Americans’ private information and some of our country’s most sensitive data. I am taking action to keep our information secure, and to prevent any unconstitutional freeze on essential funding that Americans rely on every day.”

Beginning February 2, 2025, the Trump administration’s Treasury Department adopted a new policy that grants “special government employees,” including Elon Musk and members of DOGE, access to its central payment system operated by the Bureau of Fiscal Services (BFS). This central payment system controls vital funding that millions of Americans depend on, including Social Security payments, veteran’s benefits, Medicare and Medicaid payments, and more. The payment system also controls billions of dollars that states rely on to support essential services like law enforcement, public education, and infrastructure repairs.

Access to BFS is limited by federal law to a select group of career civil servants with the appropriate security clearances. Attorney General James and the coalition assert the Treasury Department’s new policy, which expands access to BFS’s payment system, violates the law, jeopardizes Americans’ most sensitive personal information, and would allow Elon Musk and other unauthorized political appointees to access a system that could permit them to freeze federal funds with the click of a button in violation of the Constitution.

With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition of attorneys general are seeking an injunction preventing the Trump administration from continuing its new policy of expanded access to BFS’s payment system, as well as a declaration that the Treasury Department’s policy change is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Joining Attorney General James in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Winter Storms Expected to Impact State Through Sunday

Signs Executive Order To Facilitate Emergency Salt Deliveries Ahead of Storms; 

Wind Gusts Up to 55 Miles Per Hour Expected Through Tonight in Western New York, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, New York City, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Central New York, North Country and Capital Region

Lake Effect Snow Will Impact Portions of Central New York and Mohawk Valley Today Into Saturday

Capital Region, Mohawk Valley and Central New York May Receive Up to Ten Inches of Snow by Sunday Morning

New York City and Long Island May Receive Snow and Sleet Accumulations of Three to Five Inches Through Sunday Morning

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on two winter storms expected to impact areas throughout the State today through Sunday. The first storm arrived earlier today and is impacting Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. The second storm will be more widespread and is expected to affect much of the State Saturday through Sunday. Snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour on Friday and one inch per hour on Saturday in the heaviest bands may create hazardous travel conditions. People should monitor local forecasts and take precautions when traveling.

“Our State resources are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe as we respond to this next round of winter weather, and we will continue coordinating with our local partners throughout the storm including taking steps to facilitate emergency salt deliveries,” Governor Hochul said. “Monitoring your local forecast is critical — especially when traveling — and I encourage all New Yorkers to exercise caution as weather conditions can be unpredictable, and many warnings and watches are in effect.”

The Governor also signed an Executive Order today declaring a State of Emergency, allowing the State to coordinate and share resources with local governments affected by upcoming storms. This includes the State Department of Transportation, which will provide assistance to municipalities impacted by the State of Emergency in excess of existing shared service agreements. The order also waives "hours of service" requirements for truck drivers to facilitate emergency salt deliveries ahead of these storms and includes other measures to facilitate emergency salt deliveries to State and local agencies across the State.

Today’s storm will impact most of the State through Friday evening, including areas from Herkimer to Oswego County with up to four inches of snow and peak accumulations up to ten inches in some areas. Peak snowfall rates of up to two inches per hour can be expected and may impact commutes in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. Winds could gust up to 45 miles per hour in some locations, which will produce blowing and drifting snow.

The second storm begins Saturday afternoon and is forecast to continue through Sunday afternoon. Widespread snow will fall across the State with the potential for moderate to heavy accumulations of up to seven or more inches of snow from Central New York to the Capital Region. A widespread three to six inches of snow is expected north of the Thruway with snowfall rates potentially exceeding one inch per hour. Wind gusts are expected to remain below 35 miles per hour with isolated gusts of up to 40 mph. For New York City and Long Island, heavy mixed precipitation is possible with total snow and sleet accumulations between three to five inches and ice accumulations around a light glaze possible through Sunday morning.

There are several lake effect snow warnings and winter storm watches in place for multiple locations through Sunday. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert — a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Agency Preparations

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely. Winter preparedness tips can be found here.

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with 3,701 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. All available response equipment is ready to deploy and all residencies in impacted locations will remain staffed for 24/7 operations with operators, supervisors, and mechanics throughout the duration of the event and priority cleanup operations.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,642 large plow trucks
• 353 large loaders
• 157 medium duty plows
• 53 tow plows
• 35 snow blowers
• 19 graders

The need for additional resources will be re-evaluated as conditions warrant throughout the event. For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit 511ny.org, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is monitoring the forecast and ready to respond with 689 operators and supervisors available. Statewide equipment numbers and resources are listed below:

• 352 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 9 tow plows
• 67 loaders
• 99,000+ tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media — X, formerly known as Twitter, and Facebook — are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

New this snow and ice season, all of the Thruway's more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather. Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 mph — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

New York State Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police have instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles and snowmobiles, are staged and ready for deployment.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to snow.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal.

Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas, can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and the cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Most lower elevation trails are frozen, including many trails in the Catskill Mountains.

While some waterways are currently frozen, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.

Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

New York State Park Police and park personnel are on alert and closely monitoring weather conditions and impacts. Response equipment is being fueled, tested and prepared for storm response use. Park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free mobile app, or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The MTA is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to spread salt, clear platforms and stairs where ice exists, and keep signals, switches, and third rail operating, remove any downed trees that may fall across tracks, and attend to any weather-related challenges. MTA Bridges and Tunnels advises motorists to use caution when driving on icy roadways and drive at reduced speeds.

Customers are encouraged to check https://new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and TrainTime app.