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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Brendan Ben, Business Representative of IUOE Local 30, on Intro 1207
2:39:58
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3 min
Brendan Ben, representing IUOE Local 30, testified in strong support of Intro 1207, which would allow apprenticeship training to count concurrently with supervised work experience for high-pressure boiler operating engineer licenses. He argued that this change would restore the original intent of the code while maintaining safety standards and addressing workforce shortages in skilled trades.
- The current code prevents counting supervised work time during apprenticeship towards the experience requirement, creating an unnecessary barrier.
- Ben shared his personal experience of going through the apprenticeship program when work experience was counted concurrently, emphasizing the positive impact on his life and career.
- The proposed change would maintain the requirement of three years of supervised work experience within seven years preceding the application, while acknowledging apprenticeship work as qualifying experience.
Brendan Ben
2:39:58
Good afternoon.
2:40:01
Chairperson Sanchez and members of the committee, you for the opportunity to testify.
2:40:06
I am Brendan Ben, business representative for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Dirty, representing stationary engineers who operate building systems throughout New York City.
2:40:17
I express our strong support for Intro twelve oh seven, which corrects requirements for high pressure boiler operate and engineer license.
2:40:29
This legislation addresses a critical issue by allowing apprenticeship training to count concurrently with supervised work experience.
2:40:38
This restores the original intent of the code, which was altered by a grammatically correction in previous revisions.
2:40:50
Currently, apprentices must complete their program and then accumulate three additional years of experience before qualifying for license.
2:41:01
Our apprentices already gained valuable hands on experience during the training as the only New York State Department of Labor approved apprenticeship program in our field, our three year program ensures apprentice works forty hours weekly under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer, plus attend unpaid schooling after work hours.
2:41:26
The current code prevents counting their supervised work time towards their experience requirement, creating an unnecessary barrier at the time when skilled trades face workforce shortages.
2:41:40
This amendment maintains all safety standards while creating a more efficient pathway to license.
2:41:47
Applicants will still need three years of supervised work experience within seven years preceding the application.
2:41:54
We simply acknowledging that apprenticeship work is qualifying experience.
2:42:00
Catfish?
2:42:01
I speak on this issue not just as a union representative, but from personal experience.
2:42:09
I myself went through the apprenticeship program, and at the time, my supervisor's work experience was counted concurrently with my training.
2:42:17
This opportunity made a profound difference in my life for my family.
2:42:22
It provided me with the economic stability, career advancement and ability to support my loved ones while developing valuable skills that serve our city's infrastructure needs.
2:42:34
The current interpretation of the code has created unnecessary barriers for the next generation of engineers who deserve the same opportunity I had.
2:42:43
This change is not about lowering the standards, it's about restoring the original intent of the licensing requirements while maintaining safety protocols.
2:42:53
On behalf of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local thirty and the next generation of stationary engineers, I urge this committee to support Intro twelve oh seven.
2:43:04
Thank you for your consideration.
2:43:05
I am happy to answer any questions.