The logo for the upstate interiors academy.

 

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.

Brick building with a brown door and sign.
961 Lyell Avenue, Building 1 Rochester, NY 14624

Workforce Development Initiative Initiative Initiative

Group of students wearing yellow shirts and hard hats.
Apply Now

Classes in session Saturdays from 6:45 AM – 12:00 PM
                          Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 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 FALL 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.

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 with projector, tables, and chairs.

Classroom 2

Classroom training with a projector screen.

Multi-Purpose Training Room

A group of workers in a large empty room.

Ceiling & Soffit Room

Black wall with door and Upstate Interiors Academy logo.

Interior & Exterior Framing Room

Empty room with tables and a sign.

Break Room

Empty classroom with tables and chairs.

Tool Belt Station

Black helmets hanging on a wall.

Upstate Interiors Academy Staff

Two men stand in front of free trade school banners.
Group of people standing in front of a sign

Upstate Interiors Academy Spring Cohort 2024

North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters Local 276

A selfie of a bearded man

     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

     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

A construction worker standing next to a metal frame.
A man in a yellow vest is working on a wall.
Two pictures of construction workers working on a building.
Two pictures of people working on a construction site.

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
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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. I look forward to continuing to work with Upstate for a long time.
Allesandro
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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

CLICK HERE

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.

Donate Now