Harvard has expanded its University Apprentice Program to include 17 or possibly 18 new apprentices, and 114 male applicants are vying for the jobs.

The program includes the controversial painter's helpers program as well as apprentices in 12 other trades.

The apprentices' advancement is overseen by a labor-management committee established this year. The maximum time spent in apprenticeship is four years (three for painters and roofers), with apprentices normally advancing one grade every six months.

Development

According to Tom Stockett, assistant shop superintendent for Buildings and Grounds, the goal of the program is to take "non-trade people and develop them into journeymen."

The new positions represent an enlargement of over 50 per cent in the program, which included 32 apprentices last year. Harvard hopes to have selected the new apprentices by October 1.