Ithaca Area Economic Development (IAED) hosted a Tompkins Build graduation ceremony last Friday, May 15, at Stewart Park in Ithaca.

IAED said 14 Spring 2026 graduates completed an 11-week paid training program. The graduates also earned five industry-recognized certifications and are starting careers in union construction trades.

IAED said four of the graduates have already been accepted into union apprenticeships: one with Local 30 Heat & Frost Insulators, one with IUPAT DC 4 of WNY & CNY, and two with BAC Local 3 NY.

IAED credited project sponsor LeChase Construction for making Tompkins Build possible. The organization also thanked the graduates’ friends and families, labor representatives, community partners, and elected officials for attending the event.

Ithaca, NY

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