Imagine, for a moment, that you or a loved one is rushed into emergency open heart surgery. In that critical hour, you want the best—the most highly trained, experienced, and educated surgeon at the operating table. You trust that this physician has not only mastered their craft through years of study and hands-on experience, but continues to learn, adapting to new technologies and procedures to ensure the best possible outcome. Their ongoing education is a matter of life and death.
Now, consider the arteries of our communities: the highways, bridges, and transit systems that keep Long Island’s heart beating. Just as a surgeon clears and repairs the vessels that sustain life, the skilled men and women of our unionized heavy construction and infrastructure industry maintain and renew the vital networks that support our economy and daily lives. Their work is just as critical, and it demands the same commitment to education and excellence.
In New York State, the education and training of our engineers is rigorously regulated. The New York State Education Department (NYSED) requires licensed professional engineers to earn 36 professional development hour credits every three years. This ensures that our design and construction management leaders are always equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices—essential for the safe and effective delivery of public works projects.
But the pursuit of excellence doesn’t stop with our white-collar professionals. In our industry, we proudly recognize that the laborers, machine operators, truck drivers, and craftspeople who build and maintain our infrastructure are equally deserving of high-quality education and training. While the education of doctors and engineers is often celebrated, we shine a light on the rigorous apprenticeship and continuing education programs that empower our blue-collar workforce.
Our union apprenticeship programs are a cornerstone of workforce development on Long Island. These programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on, real-world experience, ensuring that every worker—whether learning from a textbook or from the seat of a crane—masters their craft. Just as we value a surgeon’s steady hand and practical skill as much as their academic credentials, we value the precision and expertise our workers bring to every job site.
In this edition, we invite you to explore stories highlighting our local union apprenticeship programs, continuing education initiatives, and the support systems in place for those committed to building and sustaining the infrastructure that keeps Long Island moving. Our workers are the surgeons of our transportation networks—dedicated professionals who keep the lifeblood of our communities flowing safely and efficiently.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to investing in the education and training of our workforce. Because whether in the operating room or on the job site, excellence is no accident—it’s the result of rigorous preparation, ongoing learning, and a shared commitment to the well-being of those we serve.