At the core of Ecotone’s mission is the noble purpose of promoting community wellness.
Our apprenticeship program is integral to our efforts to build a strong community.
Our construction apprenticeship model combines the following:
- Free training
- Paid on-the-job experience
- Hands-on learning in public works projects.
Apprentices participate in community-building events, such as volunteering at Brooklyn community gardens and engaging in outreach programs.
Let’s look at how Ecotone’s construction apprenticeship program makes a difference in people’s lives.
The Construction Apprenticeship Odyssey: Where It All Began
Craig Desmond founded Ecotone’s apprenticeship program. The program aims to empower people to become agents of change in their communities.
Desmond launched a pilot program in 2014.
A team of 8 apprentices dedicated 16 Saturdays to learning basic carpentry skills; together, they constructed a shed in a community garden. This project took longer than expected, which extended the training through the fall. In total, they worked for 36 consecutive Saturdays in 2014.
The “earn-while-you-learn” format sets Ecotone’s program apart. This makes the construction apprenticeships accessible to individuals from all walks of life.
Apprentices left the program with confidence in their carpentry skills. They also learned the necessary soft skills to embark on community building. For many participants, this experience became a transformative turning point.
Read More: Discover the Power of Apprenticeships!
An In-Depth Look at the Apprenticeship Program
Our apprenticeships are a way to enter New York City’s construction industry.
You’ll get personalized training while working with skilled craftsmen. The initial application form takes about eight minutes to complete, on average.
Phase Two: Building a Solid Foundation
Once you have the ARC40 certificate, you move on to the next part of the program.
During this phase, apprentices can work full-time and get paid. They also receive ongoing support from the Ecotone Team.
Some apprentices join Ecotone crews and work full-time on our construction projects.
Others find placements in various trades, such as construction management and design.
Placement: Building Communities, One Apprentice at a Time
Our ultimate goal extends beyond securing gainful employment for graduates.
This program allows participants to build their social communities while gaining hands-on experience.
The Ecotone apprentice experience involves one-to-one mentorship. This ensures that apprentices receive the utmost attention and guidance from seasoned experts.
These apprentices work under the direct supervision of experienced and selected mentors.
We have apprentices placed on significant building sites in the following areas:
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Queens
- The Bronx
The Intersection of Design, Construction, and Wellness
Ecotone’s goal is to make natural spaces more accessible.
For Ecotone’s goal to succeed, they continue to train apprentices. These apprentices help in creating experiences that promote accessibility to wellness.
Desmond has been improving the apprenticeship program for the past ten years. As a result, we now have the most comprehensive and impactful program ever.
We offer all Ecotone apprenticeship training opportunities on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring people of all ages, genders, races, and beliefs have an equal chance to participate.
Impact of the Apprenticeship Program on the Community
After the pilot program, Desmond’s team collaborated with Green City Force. They worked together to establish a large garden for the NYC Housing Authority.
They expanded their team by hiring two extra apprentices. This brought the number of young people working on the project to 50.
Discover more: Dive into the Ecotone Apprentice Case Studies.
Ecotone: Empowering Careers in Design & Construction
At Ecotone, we have created a training and certification program.
This program helps those who aspire to work in NYC’s design and construction industry. It’s a fantastic opportunity to embark on a career in this field.
Want to learn valuable skills and be part of a supportive community?
This program will pave the way for your fulfilling and successful future.
Join us on this exciting construction apprenticeship journey.
