State grant funding is aiding the effort DeWITT — MACNY, the Manufacturers Association will use a state grant to expand two workforce-development programs to both Onondaga and Oswego counties. The organization plans to expand the Real Life Rosies and the Advance 2 Apprenticeship direct entry pre-apprenticeship program to those counties. […]
State grant funding is aiding the effort
DeWITT — MACNY, the Manufacturers Association will use a state grant to expand two workforce-development programs to both Onondaga and Oswego counties.
The organization plans to expand the Real Life Rosies and the Advance 2 Apprenticeship direct entry pre-apprenticeship program to those counties.
The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) has awarded DeWitt–based MACNY $195,000 under the Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA) program to help in the expansion, MACNY said in its Aug. 15 announcement.
“Registered Apprenticeships and Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeships empower New Yorkers to get the skills they need to thrive in new careers while also helping businesses succeed,” Roberta Reardon, commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor, said in the MACNY announcement. “I applaud MACNY for expanding these essential workforce development programs to help more New Yorkers make their career dreams a reality.”
As part of the effort, MACNY is partnering with employers, education providers, and community-based organizations, such as Berry Global; Constellation; Giovanni Foods Company; JMA Wireless; N.E.T. & Die, Inc.; Cayuga Community College; Onondaga Community College; Refugee & Immigration Self-Empowerment (RISE); and the Oswego Workforce Development Board.
“Berry Global Syracuse is excited to launch the Real Life Rosies program in Onondaga county. Through our partnership with MACNY, we’re pleased to help create a training pathway through pre-apprenticeship to support women interested in exploring careers in manufacturing. With Berry Global, you can be it if you can see it!” the Berry global leadership team said in the MACNY announcement.
Real Life Rosies is the first NYSDOL-approved, direct-entry, pre-apprenticeship program in New York state for advanced manufacturing, according to MACNY. The program supports the training and skill development of women and individuals in underrepresented populations looking to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. Through company tours and guaranteed job interviews, the initiative helps connect employers with skilled and job-ready individuals.
The Real Life Rosies program was launched in the Mohawk Valley in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC); The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.; and community partners, with funding from Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development.
In partnership with MVCC and the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester, the Advance 2 Apprenticeship program is designed to increase access to apprenticeship, catering to individuals with and without disabilities who may benefit from additional support.
“As the first two direct-entry programs in New York State, we’re excited to announce the expansion of the Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship programs into Onondaga and Oswego counties,” Randy Wolken, president & CEO of MACNY, said. “By providing supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, these programs are designed to address the real-life challenges that individuals face when trying to join the manufacturing workforce. With teamwork and collaboration between community partners, educational institutions, and local manufacturers, Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship exemplify an innovative approach to diversify and strengthen the manufacturing industry.”
“Oswego County Workforce New York (OCWNY) is excited to be a partner on this endeavor to introduce more women to advanced manufacturing,” Rachel Pierce, director of the Oswego County Department of Workforce Development said. “Manufacturing is such a prominent industry in Oswego County and will continue to strengthen the local economy as more and more community members enter the field. We look forward to partnering with MACNY, Cayuga Community College, and local businesses, welcoming women to the industry, and providing workforce support to ensure program success.”
