MACNY to expand advanced- manufacturing apprenticeships using $6M federal grant

DeWITT — MACNY, the Manufacturers Association plans to expand registered apprenticeships for advanced-manufacturing jobs, such as those in the semiconductor industry. In doing so, MACNY will use a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D–N.Y.) announced July 11. The new program is expected to help more than 800 workers get the training they need to begin careers at companies that include Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: MU), Wolfspeed, Indium, and other regional manufacturers, Schumer’s office said. “The New York Registered Apprenticeship Hub - Registered Apprenticeship Manufacturing Partnerships (NY-RAMP) will allow manufacturers from across the state to provide career pathways in high-need areas to individuals from all backgrounds,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, said in Schumer’s announcement. “This will foster growth across all manufacturing sectors — new companies relocating to New York in emerging fields like semiconductor and nanotechnology, biotechnology, and clean energy and legacy manufacturers who have been the backbone our economy for generations. This effort is only possible because of the strength of federal and state officials, our Manufacturing Alliance of New York partners, and the nearly 100 industrial, academic, and community partners who support this program. We especially want to recognize the continued advocacy of Senator Schumer to strengthen American manufacturing and the workforce needed to meet New York’s manufacturing moment.” Schumer explained that with this funding, DeWitt–based MACNY plans to expand its programs in the NY-RAMP program. Building on MACNY’s Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP), NY-RAMP will expand MIAP efforts to “promote equitable access” to registered apprenticeship programs for all individuals, “regardless of their work experience or academic qualifications,” Schumer’s office said. In a separate Aug. 1 announcement, MACNY said has recruited more than 75 key regional and statewide partners for this effort. They include employer partners such as Micron, GlobalFoundries, Wolfspeed, Indium Corporation, Semikron Danfoss, and MOOG; apprenticeship partners like Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance, Center for Economic Growth, Council of Industry, Ignite Long Island, Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier; and Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association; education partners like Mohawk Valley Community College, Onondaga Community College, SUNY Schenectady, and Monroe Community College; workforce partners like CenterState CEO, CNY Works, Oswego County Workforce Career Center, Working Solutions, and the Capital Region Workforce Development Board; and partners focused on serving underrepresented populations like the Arc of Onondaga, Action for a Better Community, and LAUNCH CNY; “and dozens more.” The region is preparing for an “unprecedented period of growth,” Robert Simpson, president and CEO of CenterState CEO said in the MACNY announcement. “This includes ensuring our local workforce has the skills and experience needed to excel in high demand careers. We are committed to supporting our partners at MACNY and this critical program that will enable those from historically underrepresented populations to train for careers with regional manufacturers,” Simpson said. “We are grateful to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for his support, advocacy and ongoing commitment to ensuring our community is well positioned to lead in the semiconductor and adjacent industries.” MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, represents more than 300 companies in a 26-county region in Central and Upstate New York. The 111-year-old organization provides human-resources services, training, workforce development, purchasing solutions, networking opportunities, and advocacy support for its members.