DeWITT, N.Y. — New York State has awarded DeWitt–based MACNY, the Manufacturers Association, $6.5 million to expand its direct entry pre-apprenticeship programs.
The $6.5 million grant will enable MACNY to extend its Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship pre-apprenticeship training programs into multiple regions across New York state, including Central New York, Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Western New York, and New York City.
These efforts will “significantly increase access to high-quality, industry-recognized training” in advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology, and clean energy, MACNY said in its announcement.
The office of Gov. Kathy Hochul first announced the funding on Dec. 5, which is part of more than $15.5 million earmarked to support workforce initiatives across New York. The Empire State Development Office of Strategic Workforce Development awarded the MACNY grant.
These programs, which MACNY launched in 2023 in the Mohawk Valley, “have already proven successful” in introducing underrepresented communities — including women and people with disabilities — to careers in advanced manufacturing, MACNY contended its announcement.
To date, the Real Life Rosies program has introduced more than 100 trainees to advanced-manufacturing careers. The expansion will scale the original pre-apprenticeship program, MACNY said.
The Real Life Rosies program provides hands-on training and direct-entry pathways into apprenticeships for women and marginalized populations while also providing wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation, MACNY said. Likewise, the Advance 2 Apprenticeship program will work with local SUNY community colleges to offer training in the fields of semiconductor manufacturing, biopharmaceuticals, and green energy.