Hundreds Camp Out in Queens to Apply for Union Apprenticeship

Hundreds of applicants have camped out for their chance to apply for 50 apprentice positions for Local 46

Hundreds of job seekers have camped out on a Queens street for the chance to apply for recently-opened union positions.

About 500 people are gathered around the training offices of Local Union 46, the union representing metallic lathers and reinforcing ironworkers, to hand in their applications on Monday.
 
People started arriving at the offices in Woodside after the State Department of Labor and the union announced they were looking to hire iron and wood apprentices for 50 positions. 
 
The first person in line arrived last Sunday.
 
The line wraps around the entire block, with job hopefuls wrapped in blankets and sleeping in tents. Many people in line aren't working, or want the benefits of a union position.
 
One applicant told NBC 4 New York he came from Phoenix, Ariz. for his chance to hand in the application.
 
"Once I found out, I hopped on a plane and flew over," said Andy Lynam, a fourth generation iron worker. 
 
The long line -- and long odds -- didn't dampen his spirits.
 
"If it's meant to be, it's meant to be," he said.
 
According to the union website, a Local 46 apprentice goes through a training program that may last between two and five years. The apprentice spends time working in the building and construction trades while also attending classes to learn industry skills and safety techniques.
 
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