Gold and black academy logo design

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.

961 Lyell Avenue, Building 1 Rochester, NY 14624

961 Lyell Avenue, Building 1 Rochester, NY 14624

Workforce Development

Workforce Development

Group of construction workers in bright shirts
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Classes in session Saturdays from 06:45 AM – 12:00 PM
Tuesday and Thursday 05:30 PM – 08:00 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

“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.

Graph of spending versus employment scenarios

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 setup with tables and screen
Classroom 1
Group learning in bright shirts
Classroom 2
Construction workers gathering in a large room
Multi-Purpose Training Room
Door and sign on black wall
Ceiling & Soffit Room
Interior room with metal ceiling structure
Interior & Exterior Framing Room
Empty break room with tables and chairs.
Break Room
Wall-mounted equipment in industrial space
Safety Equipment Displayed in Warehouse
Workers posing in front of program signs.
Upstate Interiors Academy Staff
Six people standing together, wearing hoodies
Upstate Interiors Academy Staff

Upstate Interiors Academy Spring Cohort 2024

Workers inspecting metal studs on site
Construction workers assembling ceiling framework
Team meeting on construction site
Construction workers receiving on-site training
Group learning in a classroom setting
Classroom setting with attentive students writing
Students working on laptops in classroom
Classroom training session with tools
People working on laptops in a classroom
Training session with attentive participants

North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 276

Dwayne McClary, Carpenter Instructor

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 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

Portrait of a woman in a black top.

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

Construction worker checking vertical alignment with level
Worker sanding wall with protective gear
Construction workers assembling metal frames
Construction crew with safety gear working

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 Seelman

RochesterWorks

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 Hawkins

HopeWorks

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 Compton

Urban League of Rochester

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 Seelman

RochesterWorks

UIA Trainee Testimonials

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 Jones

Fall 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 Jones

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.

Laura Seelman

Sheard

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

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

Join UI/UIA

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

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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

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