Expanded contractor training program helping more builders.

The Contractors Training Program, an innovative partnership between the Department of Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) and City University of New York (CUNY) colleges is expanding its capacity to serve New Yorkers at campuses in three boroughs.

With the addition of City College to the program, more contractors will be able to take advantage of the training offered.

The program, now in its 19th year, is dedicated to helping local self-employed workers in the construction industry learn the business skills necessary to run a successful company.

The Contractors Training Program educates participants on topics such as blueprint reading, estimating, accounting, and contract law. Training is also provided to promote compliance with the City's Lead Paint Hazard Reduction Law. Information on public contract and local business assistance opportunities is also a part of the program. It runs for 10 weeks and participants meet one evening per week.

Information and enrollment forms for the fall semester are available at the participating CUNY colleges: Hostos Community College in the Bronx, Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, and City College in Manhattan. Information and an application for future notifications are available online at

Shaun Donovan, HPD Commissioner said, "HPD is delighted to work with CUNY to develop the skills small businesses need to be competitive in the construction industry."