MISSION STATEMENT
At Upstate Interiors Academy (UIA), we believe in the combined, transforming power of hope, help, hard work, and opportunity to change people’s lives for good. With emphasis placed on minority populations, our mission is to transform lives through our comprehensive, pre-apprenticeship, construction trades training program. Specializing in commercial, metal stud framing, drywall, and ceiling solutions, UIA recruits and trains individuals who need alternatives to college education, and those who desire a career in the construction trades. As an approved, Department of Labor, Direct-Entry provider, UIA prioritizes entry into trade unions, to ensure our graduates secure rewarding careers with top wages, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans. Our commitment goes beyond technical training. We strive to enhance the financial outlook of our participants by eliminating poverty, giving access to healthcare, and enabling them to support themselves and their families. We also promote social-emotional wellness, actively removing barriers to success and fostering a supportive, inclusive environment. Upstate Interiors Academy is proud to champion diversity in the construction industry, creating a workforce that reflects the richness of our community and drives positive change. We believe a thriving human being is critical to the fabric of our nation.
Workforce Development
Initiative
Initiative
Initiative
Classes in session Saturdays from 6:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
For more information please contact Nashee McClary at (585) 502-9072 or Nashee@Upstateinteriorsllc.com
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR OUR WINTER 2026 COHORT!
Construction Industry Problem
- ABC: Construction Industry Faces Workforce Shortage of 650,000 in 2022
- WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2022 9:50 AM
- Posted in Employment, Construction Economic Update, Construction Economics, Workforce and Safety, News Release 2022
- WASHINGTON, Feb. 23—The construction industry will need to attract nearly 650,000 additional workers on top of the normal pace of hiring in 2022 to meet the demand for labor, according to a model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors.
“An added concern is the decline in the number of construction workers ages 25-54, which fell 8% over the past decade. Meanwhile, the share of older workers exiting the workforce soared,” said Basu. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the industry’s average age of retirement is 61, and more than 1 in 5 construction workers are currently older than 55.
Upstate Interiors Solutions
Upstate’s workforce development initiative seeks to address the workforce shortage in the construction industry by introducing the trades to city and county residents.
UI/UIA Process
Upstate Interiors work with residents to provide wrap- around services and training with the goal of getting residents in the Union. We have teamed up with community partners and stakeholders to streamline the process in getting city and county residents into the union. Upon entry into the Union, Upstate Interiors Academy provides ongoing training at their training center so residents can master the skills necessary to become skilled professionals.
Upstate Interiors Academy Training Facility
Upstate Interiors Training Academy (UIA) was designed and renovated by UIA’s team
Classroom 1
Classroom 2
Multi-Purpose Training Room
Ceiling & Soffit Room
Interior & Exterior Framing Room
Break Room
Tool Belt Station
Upstate Interiors Academy Staff
Upstate Interiors Academy Spring Cohort 2024
North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 276
Dwayne McClary
Carpenter Instructor
I started my journey as a union carpenter with Upstate Interiors. They provided me with the confidence and training that helped me secure a position as the first black instructor for the Rochester’s Carpenter’s training center. I am grateful for the opportunity they provided me. My passion is to share my knowledge and skills with city and county residents to help them become masters of their trade.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Natasha McClary Dicks
Site Manager
Natasha McClary Dicks serves as Upstate Interiors Academy site manager. She has been a Human Resource professional with over a decade of diverse, progressive experience in all aspects of assisting staff, directors, and executives. She is currently the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Officer with Rochester Housing Authority dedicated to fostering respect and belonging within the workplace.
UI/UIA Wrap Around Services
* Union Entrance Fee
* Hand Tools
* Transportation
* Relocation expenses
* Weekly Check-ins
* Ongoing Training
* Social-emotional development classes
UI/UIA Track Record
In the months since Upstate Interiors have started our workforce initiative, we have hired ten city and county residents and have more that are going through our onboarding process.
* Frederick Douglass Storage Facility RIA
* Wilson Magnet High School
* Enrico Fermi RCSD #17
* Roberto Clemente RCSD #8
* Batavia City School District
* Joseph Avenue Branch Lincoln Library
Community Partners
We connected Knofi to multiple community partners who provide workforce services including Hope initiatives and ITEC and he’s followed up with them all in an effort to create meaningful connections to training and employment for their participants. we appreciate the opportunity to partner with Knofi, Upstate interiors LLC and businesses looking to offer pathways to careers for people in the community.
Laura SeelmanRochesterWorks
Your weekly check-ins, words of encouragement to potential applicants, and consistent communication has removed a lot of fear and has resulted in participants feeling confident to move forward. it has certainly been a pleasure working with you. I’m looking forward to sharing many success stories with Upstate Interiors LLC!!!
Torsha HawkinsHopeWorks
Cecil’s personal story of success through hard work and persistence and the obvious pride in his skills and company is an example of the tremendous potential for people entering the trades.
Kevin Traut ITEC Training & Educational Center
Because of you and your team, this young man has been able to participate in your training classes held at the carpenters trainings facility to continue to develop the skills that are going to be needed for growth, and the development of intergenerational wealth for he and his family.
Jonathan ComptonUrban League of Rochester
UIA Trainee Testimonials
Being a student at Upstate Interiors Academy makes me thankful for the chance to make a
difference in bettering my life.
Jason
UIA is helping me better myself and to develop my skills so that I can stand out and rise to the
occasion. I am comforted knowing I’m learning top notch skills as a first-year apprentice. Being
a student at UIA makes me feel the need to be on top of my game while giving me a chance to
take advantage of this great opportunity.
Jaden
Being a student at UIA means a lot to me. The environment is embracing with ALL love. I enjoy
the individual hands on training. This is a great steppingstone to a bright future in the carpentry
field.
Sheard
UIA is helping me learn the tools I need to further my skills in the carpentry trades which I love
to do. They also give great advise on having a better mindset to be a better person. This is life
changing and I am so blessed and grateful to have this opportunity.
Raishon
This opportunity at UIA is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is my golden ticket to be a good
carpenter and make a lot of money. I really enjoy working with the guys here. I am glad to have
trainers that motivate us to be great in life and make learning easy.
Keirre
Being a student at UIA means everything to me. I have been working since I was 13 underpaid
at several different jobs. This opportunity is giving me an opportunity to give me a chance at life
to be my best and to take care of me.
Jaheim
I arrived at Upstate Interiors in July of 2023. I was immediately put to work with a crew whose
goal was to teach me what they knew while getting the job done right. Since then, I have seen
nothing but positives at Upstate Interiors. From the way they treat people in and out of the
company to the pride they take in their work.
Alessandro
The staff at UIA was very helpful and wholesome. I
learned the basics and in’s and out of drywall and framing.
When joining the program, I didn’t have any knowledge of
the task whatsoever, but I will be leaving with the
knowledge of someone who is starting in construction. I
signed up already enrolled in the union, so my goal was
not to get direct entry but to keep my engine running and
stay at it. I would truly recommend the program to family
and friends and will continue to come and help others in
the training facility.
Shaun AllenFall 2024
The staff of UIA were very helpful. They guided me
through this whole journey and made sure we mastered
the skills for this trade. Food was always provided, and
safety was a top priority during these 12 weeks. I learned
the basics of framing. I also learned how to install drywall
and cut it. The social-emotional classes helped me grow
because the videos we watched made me realize that
giving up was never the answer. Nobody is perfect in life.
As long we keep trying, success will come through our
eyes. Speeches from the UIA staff kept me motivated and
helped me graduate from the program.
Naseer QaiedFall 2024
The staff at UIA has helped me expand my knowledge and training in
the construction industry. I have learned the basics of framing and
drywall. These social-emotional classes have helped me grow in
several ways. I appreciate all the time and energy provided for this
opportunity. Thank you UIA!
Terrell Wyatt-GrossFall 2024
The Staff at the UIA were very understanding and helpful. They gave
me the opportunity to further my education and be better. I’ve gained
the experience to properly do a job such as framing and putting up
drywall from this program. I felt welcomed and a part of the family.
Izaiah Rivera-BrownFall 2024
I really liked my experience at UIA, the staff at UIA were
friendly and knowledgeable. I learned a lot from the
program and I’m thankful for being able to be a part of the
program. The social-emotional classes helped me grow,
and the information really helped me to start organizing
my daily lifestyle. Since I was younger, I always wanted to
be in construction. I want to be able to work with my hands
and design things.
Collin OakleyFall 2024
The information taught by UIA has created a strong
foundation for me to build upon. Having multiple
instructors who are very knowledgeable and good at
providing the fundamentals has been helpful when having
more in-depth questions. Having an hour of classroom
instruction first on Saturday mornings has helped me feel
motivated when going into the practical part of class.
Alex MooreFall 2024
The UIA Staff was very helpful to me by giving me a ride
to training for the 12-week program. The training program
gives me the opportunity to learn about the basic concept
of framing and drywall. One of my favorite things about the
UIA Academy was the motivational speech from Eric
Thomas. It was good for me because sometimes I feel like
giving up and his speeches always motivated me.
Byron LesterFall 2024
The staff at UIA was very kind, very knowledgeable, and
attentive. I will be using the soft skills I’ve learned outside
the classroom setting. I’m excited that I completed this
training and that I’m leaving with knowing how to frame
with metal studs and drywall.
Jasmine KearseFall 2024
The staff relayed the information in a way that was easy to
understand. I was regularly updated on the class schedule
and events. I learned a lot.
Ian GoolsbyFall 2024
The staff at UIA were friendly and helpful. All the
information in the classes really helped me in my life to
continue to improve my knowledge and my career. This
program will help me get into the carpenter’s union and I
will have better opportunities in my life.
Raciel DearmasFall 2024
I learned the basics of carpentry and more. UIA was very
helpful to everyone, and I can use the information I
learned to grow.
Dajour JohnsFall 2024
The staff are very informative and heartwarming at the
academy. They helped me with my goals and trained me
to frame and hang drywall. During my 12 weeks UIA
supported me through the good and the bad and I
wouldn’t change that for anything.
Corey ColemanFall 2024
I am thankful for the knowledge of knowing how to build a
wall 16” on center. UIA helped me expand my knowledge
of using soft skills and simple skills in construction. I can
also use this information as I go down the road in
carpentry.
Taron BeachumFall 2024
The UIA staff was very helpful and supportive. These
classes taught me new things and showed me skills that I
can continue to use in my day-to-day life. I want to give
thanks to UIA for being so kind and welcoming and
making me feel a part of the family.
Nyasa JonesFall 2024
The staff at UIA were very helpful and they treat you like
family. I like the food and coffee in the morning before
class. I learned soft skills that would help me in my life.
Sherard JonesFall 2024
UI/UIA Vision for the future
*Develop more relationships with community organizations
*Strengthen and enhance current partnerships
*Implement a blueprint reading, estimating, and project manager classes
*Bring our model to the Bricklayers, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing trades.
*Secure sponsors, grants, funding
Join UI/UIA
Initiative
Initiative
Initiative
Are you in high school, out of high school and have been considering a career in the construction industry? Do you know anyone who has the talent for building/creating and would excel in the construction industry?
If so, please contact Nashee McClary, Business Manager at 585 502-9072 and explore if a career in the construction trades is right for you.
Union Benefits
* Prevailing Wages
* Health & Welfare
* Pension Fund
* Annuity
* Education & Training
* Safety Training
* Vacation
* Wages and Fringe Benefits
Upstate Interiors welcomes all Construction Industry leaders, Community Partners, agencies, individuals to become a sponsor and support Upstate’s Workforce Development Initiative with a financial donation. Your donations would be used to help remove barriers that prevent residents from being able to pursue a career in the construction industry.
HELP FURTHER THE MISSION OF THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.