The Andromeda Community Initiative (ACI) is at the forefront of a transformation in New York’s construction industry. This nonprofit is breaking down barriers by offering apprenticeship training to individuals from underrepresented communities, helping to build a more diverse and sustainable workforce.

Since its inception, Andromeda’s apprenticeship program has trained over 200 individuals, with an impressive 85% graduation rate and four in five graduates securing jobs within nine months of program completion. This program draws a lot of applicants who are people of color and economically disadvantaged, including homelessness, welfare, and criminal justice reentry, providing them with the tools and opportunities to thrive in a traditionally exclusive field.

“One of the things we hear from employers is, ‘That’s great. Your program sounds interesting, but we want people with two years experience,’” said David Nidus, executive director of the program. “And one wonders how anyone ever gets a job in the field because everyone needs two years experience.”

The nonprofit provides a wide range of training opportunities, including converting a warehouse into a mock job site complete with scaffolding and power tools.

According to Sophia Oliveira, the organization’s director of development and fundraising, participants can earn certifications in areas such as suspended and supported scaffolding, site safety, silica awareness, and DOT flagging.

Sustainability is also a cornerstone of Andromeda’s training. The initiative integrates green building practices and energy-efficient technologies into its curriculum, which prepares trainees to be leaders in the industry’s shift toward more sustainable practices.

The centerpiece of their offerings is a five-week course in masonry and general construction. Last year, ACI also introduced an eight-week program that adds “an additional three weeks that really focus on green construction and energy-efficiency skills,” Oliveira said.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has recognized Andromeda’s efforts, highlighting the initiative as a model for effective community-driven workforce development. 

As the construction industry in New York continues to grow, Andromeda’s work is becoming increasingly vital. By training a diverse and skilled workforce, they are addressing the current labor shortage and building a stronger, more resilient industry for the future.

The Andromeda Community Initiative is a powerful example of how targeted training and a commitment to inclusion can create lasting change. They are proving that everyone deserves a place in the construction industry and that, with the right support, they can build both their futures and our communities.