DeWITT, N.Y. — A new group of registered apprentices has graduated from the Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP). That’s according to MACNY, the Manufacturers Association. The organization partners with the New York State Department of Labor to sponsor MIAP, “acting as an intermediary” to help small and medium-sized companies in Central New York and across […]
DeWITT, N.Y. — A new group of registered apprentices has graduated from the Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP).
That’s according to MACNY, the Manufacturers Association. The organization partners with the New York State Department of Labor to sponsor MIAP, “acting as an intermediary” to help small and medium-sized companies in Central New York and across the state establish registered apprenticeships at their companies.
To date, nearly 600 registered apprentices have participated in the program at more than 158 companies throughout New York, per MACNY’s March 30 announcement. MIAP funding supports these companies that train apprentices in more than 20 different trades.
An apprentice learns directly from his/her employer with on-the-job training to earn the credentials needed to progress in the industry, MACNY said.
When apprentices complete the program, they earn a “journeyworker” national certificate. As a result, entry-level positions also become available to provide opportunities for other people in the community and to help “fill the talent pipeline,” MACNY noted.
“We are so proud of all the hard-working graduates who have contributed to the successful story of MIAP,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, said in a statement.
Two graduates
Patrick Rogers, who works at Anoplate in Syracuse, recently earned his journeyworker certificate. He joined Anoplate as a maintenance helper. After completing the apprenticeship program in four years, he now works as a maintenance mechanic for the company, per MACNY.
“The apprenticeship program has done wonders,” Rogers said, “It is not just about the income and providing for my family, it’s about the advanced skills I’ve developed and how these skills will open up more opportunities for me. I could never have pictured myself in the position I am today. I love what I do. Going through and completing the program is one of the smartest decisions I’ve made.”
Chad Wierzbicki, another Central New York native, has a similar story.
He also grew up in the region and recently graduated as a journeyworker maintenance mechanic at WestRock in Solvay. He takes pride in the work he handles at the paper mill and says the program has improved his quality of life.
“The decision to get into the apprenticeship program at the mill was a great opportunity to learn new skills that I don’t believe I otherwise would have,” Wierzbicki said. “It has helped me expand my knowledge, as well as be able to further provide for my family.”
MIAP offers apprenticeship programs in various trades that include, but are not limited to, welder, CNC machinist, toolmaker, electronics technician, electro-mechanical technician, and industrial-manufacturing technician.
Since the program launched in 2016, MIAP has expanded its industries and trades to include high-tech manufacturing, the semiconductor industry, and information technology. It also has increased outreach to underserved and underrepresented populations in the state, MACNY said.