Ithaca Area Economic Development

That's a wrap on the Spring 2026 cohort of Tompkins Build: Pathways to Apprenticeship!

The Tompkins Build class had a busy week of classes last week. They visited IBEW Local 241 (Ithaca JATC) to practice alongside 4th-year electrician apprentices, finished their program project, and earned two Green Professional (GPRO) Building Skills Training certifications through the Urban Green Council.

We want to express our gratitude to LeChase Construction for their sponsorship and continued support of this workforce development initiative! Congratulations to all 14 participants who completed the 11-week paid training program and are now embarking on their careers in the union construction trades!! A graduation ceremony is scheduled for Friday, May 15th.

Now THAT is how you do an Annual Meeting!

They say you shouldn't mix business with pleasure, but our team begs to differ. We prove every day that you can have a blast while getting the job done. 💼🎯

To everyone who attended, networked, and shared ideas yesterday: you made this event unforgettable. Let’s keep this momentum going!

Last week, the Tompkins Build class drove down to Horseheads to visit the Carpenters Local 277 training center. After a tour, students practiced burying nails with the fewest hammer swings, controlling a lift, and welding joints. Then they competed to see who could install drywall screws the fastest: congrats to the winner, Mel!

With only 2 weeks of the program left, participants have begun applying for union apprenticeships and are eager to start the next step of their construction careers!

Thank you, LeChase Construction, for your sponsorship of this program.