SUNY Adirondack offers journeyworker degree program

(QUEENSBURY, NEW YORK—July 8, 2020) – SUNY Adirondack is proud to announce a new degree program, Journeyworker: Technical Trades Management, for its Fall 2020 semester. The associate of occupational studies (AOS) degree is geared toward journeyworkers interested in taking on a management role or opening their own businesses.

"We're excited to offer this opportunity to trained, skilled workers throughout the nation," said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of SUNY Adirondack. "This degree provides a strong foundation in the best business and management practices to round out their invaluable hands-on expertise."

A journeyworker in building trades or advanced manufacturing may earn up to 30 credits toward the new AOS degree. The remaining required credits will be earned in courses such as public speaking, business law, accounting, computer science and principles of business, among others.

"I could not be prouder of the relationship Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 773 has forged with SUNY Adirondack. The transformation the union has made over past 100 years is incredible, starting in rental facilities and ending up in the multimillion-dollar training facility we have today," said Mike Jarvis, business manager of Plumbers & Steamfitters Local 773. "This degree is the next step forward: SUNY recognizing our Apprenticeship Training Program opens endless opportunities for our members, which is very exciting." 

This program is groundbreaking in that any journeyworker in building trades and advanced manufacturing from anywhere in the United States can gain advanced standing toward degree completion at SUNY Adirondack.

"We are excited to partner with such a prominent educational system as SUNY," said Mike Mastropietro, business manager of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 236. "Our registered apprenticeship programs have long been recognized by the Department of Labor as the gold standard and the addition of SUNY’s support speaks to this. Their commitment sheds a desperately needed light on the importance and value of building trades as a valid, fulfilling career path."

Trade unions have a long history of supporting its members with opportunities for education.

"Building trades apprenticeship programs have been the standard bearer for more than a century, educating our members and building our communities with pride one project at a time," said John J. Murphy, the international representative for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada. 

"Building a strong and highly trained workforce is vital to maintaining a vibrant regional economy," said Assemblyman Dan Stec, R-Queensbury. "Continuing professional education is a cornerstone in this effort and I commend our local building trades and SUNY Adirondack for establishing this academic program."

Those interested in starting an apprenticeship program should visit www.labor.ny.govapprenticeship/appindex.shtm. For journeyworkers or those enrolled in a journeyworker program to learn more, please visit www.sunyacc.edu/journeyworker-technical-trades-management.