Calling potential construction workers on Staten Island Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 8:52 AM
By
Mark D. Stein
WILLOWBROOK -- If you’re not in the construction industry, you might not know how to enter.
At the College of Staten Island on April 12, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) hosted a workforce development event at the college’s Center for the Arts. A handful of borough residents took advantage of the opportunity. The event was held in connection with the state DOT’s recent project to extend the bus/HOV lane on the Staten Island Expressway (SIE), and to assist those interested in changing careers to learn more about the construction business. The lane project is estimated to cost $110 million. Adam Levine, spokesman for the state agency, said in past events, people have questioned why contractors didn’t hire locally. While the agency can’t force contractors to hire locally, Levine said the agency can encourage them to do so. “What we can do is ask the contractor to see early-on in the job, if there’s work that has not yet been dedicated to any workers, laborers or small businesses. They can get that information, and see if there’s a good fit,” explained Levine. Attending the event were the project contractor, CCA Civil; the U.S. Department of Transportation and Commerce; Nontraditional Employment for Women and representatives from Teamsters Local 282, Operating Engineers Locals 14 and 15, Paving Laborers Local 1010 and Excavation Laborers Local 731. Joe Sino of Annadale, an active union member, said finding work has been difficult. “I’m looking for steady work and employment with the city,” Sino explained. He was happy to show up for the four-hour event. “I’m trying to get a good lead. It’s hard to get hired by this city.” Another visitor, Jamel Jones of Mariners Harbor said information he gathered at the event couldn’t be found elsewhere.
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