Applied Skilled Trades Program

The Applied Skilled Trades Program (ASTP) helps agencies build a skilled workforce and strengthen the pool of candidates for future journey-level positions, while supporting CSEA-represented NYS employees in building career pathways in high-demand trades. The program has two tracks for participants: a traineeship and a certificate program. The ASTP requires collaboration among agency or facility managers, CSEA local presidents, and supervisors to provide support, supervision, and paid release time. The ASTP, including textbooks and instruction, are available at no cost to agencies and participating employees.

Participants in the ASTP must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Possess a high school diploma or a high school equivalency (GED).
• Be a full-time CSEA-represented NYS employee (SG-12 or below) with at least one year of service.
• Participants are required to maintain a cumulative grade average of “C” (70% - 79%) to remain in the ASTP. 
   

Two-Year Traineeship

The Two-Year Traineeship combines trade theory instruction and on-the-job training to prepare employees for journey-level public sector trade positions. Employees typically enter at SG-9 and, after completing required training, are permanently appointed to the SG-12 journey level. Agencies must dedicate a vacant non-competitive trade-title line item and are responsible for providing and monitoring at least 144 hours of trade theory and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training annually.

Two-Year Certificate Program

The Two-Year Certificate Program provides operations and maintenance employees with the same trade theory coursework as the Traineeship, helping agencies build a skilled workforce and prepare employees for future journey-level vacancies. Participation does not require a dedicated line item, and while completion does not guarantee appointment, it meets the educational minimum qualifications for SG-12 journey-level trade positions.

View Full ASTP Details & Enrollment Information

The 2026–2028 ASTP is currently underway and closed to enrollment. Agencies interested in participating in a future program should contact Kyle Nurse to receive updates, as seats are limited, and program sites are established based on agency interest.