Frequently Asked Questions

Do you charge for your classes or assistance?

No, our services are totally free of charge to our participants.

I have a criminal record. Can I still be accepted?

The building trades unions are looking for members who are timely, honest, reliable, and who work hard. There are many successful building trades workers with criminal records - this is not an obstacle in any way.

Can I get in if I don’t have a high school diploma?

Most union construction apprenticeships require that candidates have their high school diploma or a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma (an HSE is a test that used to be the GED, now it is called the TASC).

There are many agencies that can help you prepare for and take the TASC test. The TASC test is a challenge but if you pass one section and fail another section, you can re-take the section that you failed on a subsequent day. A few of the building trades (such as the Cement and Concrete Workers) require only the 10th grade.

English is not my first language – how fluent do I need to be?

The building trades unions vary in the terms of fluency they require. As workers need to be able to communicate with each other on a work site, basic communication skills are necessary but there are many building trades workers from other countries who do not speak English fluently. We can help you sort out which opportunities may be best for your particular situation.

How often do apprenticeship open up?

Each building trades union has its own apprenticeship program and these programs open up at varying times throughout the year. Some open up only once per year – others open up once every 2 or 3 years. Building trades unions only admit new apprentices when they know that there will be enough work for them.

P2A issues an update on apprenticeship openings about once per month and this update is posted on the website.

Current: Apprenticeship Announcements | Department of Labor (ny.gov)

Can you help me find a job?

P2A helps people get into union apprenticeship programs (not jobs) and these apprenticeship programs will lead to careers - not just a job.

In the meantime, we suggest that you get into a workforce development program. If you live in Harlem or the Bronx, you can call West Harlem Development Corporation (WHDC) at (646) 476-3394 or Northern Manhattan Investment Corp. (NMIC) at (212) 822-8300.

If you live in other boroughs, you can call St. Nick’s Alliance at (718) 302-2057 or Rebuilding Together, New York City at (718) 488-8847. You should also sign up for trainings through the New York City program called Workforce 1.