State approves OCC’s advanced-manufacturing certificate program

ONONDAGA — The New York State Education Department has approved a one-year certificate program in advanced manufacturing-machining at Onondaga Community College (OCC).

The program is designed to provide students the skills necessary for employment in the machining industry, including the coursework and hands-on skills necessary to enter the workforce, OCC said in a news release.

The community college will offer the certificate program beginning in the fall 2014 semester.

OCC, citing Manufacturers Association of New York (or MACNY) information, said the program is needed because area manufacturers find it challenging to recruit the skilled labor necessary to handle “sophisticated” production processes and tasks required in a manufacturing plant.

Students who successfully complete the advanced manufacturing-machining certificate program will have the skills necessary to apply for positions such as machinists and apprentices, machine operators, tool and die makers, machine setters, and tool grinders.

The community college’s mission includes responding to the needs of employers by providing graduates with high-level skills and technical expertise in fields that will “grow and strengthen” the economy, Casey Crabill, OCC president, said in the news release.

“This new program in advanced manufacturing-machining will be of tremendous benefit to students interested in learning marketable skills that will help them to secure employment in growing, high-demand industries,” she said.

OCC created the program as part of a statewide consortium focused on helping people who have lost their jobs or may lose them because of foreign trade.

The efforts are part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants (TAACCCT) program.

The department awarded OCC $1.2 million for equipment and curriculum development focused on manufacturing areas.

Displaced workers and unemployed veterans are eligible for the program tuition free, pending verification of their qualifications.

For students entering the program with real-world experience, a learning assessment taken in advance may reward credit for years worked in a machine shop, OCC said.

The OCC certificate program represents the State University of New York’s (SUNY) first new program developed with TAACCCT funds, Nancy Zimpher, SUNY Chancellor, said in the OCC news release.

“SUNY’s 30 community colleges are workforce development engines for all of New York, and we are proud to be preparing thousands of students for careers in advanced manufacturing and technology as a result of the TAACCCT program,” said Zimpher.

Students who earn the advanced manufacturing-machining certificate may also apply the credits to the mechanical-technology degree program at OCC, the school said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com