Thruway Skilled Trades Scholarship
CALL FOR 2025 APPLICATIONS
The Thruway Authority wants you! We are hiring students pursuing a career in trades (carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing) and awarding them $1,000 toward their education. Be sure to apply for the 2025 Thruway Skilled Trades Scholarship and full-time, benefits eligible Thruway employment.
As a full-time, permanent Thruway Authority employee, recipients are also eligible for up to 90 percent tuition reimbursement. The scholarship is a supplemental payment to help defray trade educational costs. The combination allows awardees to begin their career in a trades program at little to no cost to themselves!
Who is Eligible?
Students in vocational/technical programs, or students accepted for enrollment in trade school or college-level trade programs in the following fields:
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
*Students must be 18 years old at the time of employment.
*Applicants who are relatives of Thruway Authority employees are subject to the Thruway Authority's Ethical Employment Decision Practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- 18 years old (at the time of appointment)
- High school diploma or GED
- Currently enrolled in vocational/technical programs or accepted for enrollment in trade school or college-level trade program
- May require a valid driver license
HOW DO I APPLY?
Interested students should fill out the scholarship and employment applications and return along with two letters of recommendation (one personal and one professional).
- Employment Application (TA-W3199)
- Scholarship Application (TA-W3152)
Email applications to scholarship@thruway.ny.gov
Thruway Skilled Trades Scholarship FAQs
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Students in vocational/technical programs, or students accepted for enrollment in trade school or college-level trade programs. Students must be 18 years old at the time of appointment.
Applicants who are relatives of Thruway Authority employees are subject to the Thruway Authority's Ethical Employment Decision Practices.
WHAT TRADES PROGRAMS QUALIFY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY?
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
HOW WILL THE SKILLED TRADES SCHOLARSHIP WORK?
You will be hired into an entry level position where you will be matched with a skilled tradesperson who will act as a mentor. The mentor will work with you to gain the experience necessary to advance your career as you work towards your educational goals. You will reach the equivalent of a journey level tradesperson once you have four years of qualifying experience.
IS THE POSITION FULL-TIME?
Yes, you will be hired into a full-time, benefits eligible position. Benefits include health insurance, dental and vision insurance, generous paid leave, tuition assistance, participation in NYS State retirement and more.
HOW MANY STUDENTS WILL BE CHOSEN?
Up to two students will be selected from each of the following areas along the Thruway’s mainline:
New York - Albany - Syracuse - Rochester - Buffalo
HOW WILL APPLICANTS BE SELECTED?
Applicants will be selected based on an evaluation of application materials and an interview.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DECIDE I NO LONGER WANT TO PURSUE A TRADE?
In the event you no longer want to pursue a trade, the remaining balance of your scholarship money will not be disbursed.
WHAT CAN THE $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP MONEY BE USED FOR?
The $1,000 can be used toward expenses for education that are not covered under the Authority’s tuition assistance program, such as
books, tools, supplies, etc.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Interested students should fill out the scholarship and employment applications and return along with two letters of recommendation (one personal and one professional).
WHERE CAN I GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION?
Contact (518) 471-4321 for more information.
Thruway Authority Employment Information
The New York State Thruway is an equal opportunity employer.
New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status.
The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Director of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Development at 518-471-4231 or send an email to Accommodations@thruway.ny.gov.
Civil Service examinations are required for many Thruway Authority positions. Please visit the NYS Department of Civil Service 
website for listings of upcoming Civil Service exams and job openings.