Cornell University expert reappointed to lead New York State Apprenticeship and Training Council

Gov. Kathy Hochul has reappointed ILR School Labor and Employment Law Programs Director Esta Bigler ’70 as chair of the New York State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Since 2008, Bigler has served as chair of the seven-member council, which advises the state labor commissioner on training, standards, trends and other elements that can help drive apprenticeships, a source of skilled workers in areas experiencing labor shortages.

New York has one of the most extensive apprenticeship programs in the nation. More than 17,000 apprentices are currently working in 912 programs. A state-registered apprenticeship program is a prerequisite for bidding on public works projects in New York state.