Elevator Constructor at JATC Of The Elevator Industry
at JATC Of The Elevator Industry in Long Island City, NY
About This Program
The JATC of the Elevator Industry in Long Island City, NY administers a union-affiliated (JATC) registered apprenticeship program for individuals entering the elevator construction trade. Positioned in the heart of the New York City metropolitan area — one of the most elevator-dense environments in the world — this program offers apprentices exceptional field experience and professional development opportunities. Apprentices receive pay throughout training.
The program is time-based and spans four years, requiring 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of related technical instruction. Apprentices work on installation, modernization, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, and related vertical transportation systems in a wide variety of commercial, residential, and transit settings. Classroom training covers electrical systems, hydraulics, mechanical theory, code compliance, and blueprint reading.
Graduates achieve journeyman elevator constructor status, gaining credentials recognized across the elevator industry. JATC membership and union affiliation provide access to competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a strong professional network in one of the country's most active construction and vertical transportation markets.
Wage & Training
Journeyman Wage
$47
OJT Hours
8,000
RTI Hours
576
Duration
4 years
Wage data is the national median for this occupation (BLS, May 2023), not specific to this program.
Elevator Constructor Career Outlook
National Median
$46.56/hr
~$96,844.8/yr
Apprentice Start
$25/hr
Earn while you learn
Job Outlook
Elevator constructor employment is projected to grow faster than average, driven by new high-rise construction, elevator modernization requirements, and building code changes mandating accessibility upgrades. The small size of the workforce relative to the installed base of equipment means strong job security. Aging elevator systems in major cities require ongoing modernization, creating sustained demand.
What to Expect as an Elevator Constructor Apprentice
Duration
4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom instruction
On-the-Job Training
~40 hours/week of hands-on work under journeyman supervision (8,000 total hours)
Classroom Instruction
576 hours of related technical instruction (~144 hours/year)
Paid Training
You earn a wage from day one, starting at a percentage of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress
Time-based program: You'll progress through the program based on completing a set number of hours in both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
This is a union-affiliated program. Union apprenticeships typically offer strong benefits packages, pension contributions, and structured career advancement through the local hall.
Trade School vs. Apprenticeship for Elevator Constructor
Apprenticeship
Trade School
Licensing in New York
Elevator Constructors in New York are required to hold a license. Licensing is issued by New York State Department of Labor, Division of Safety and Health, Elevator Safety Bureau.
View full New Yorklicensing requirements →Reviews
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