More High School Students to Seal Deals with Area Employers through New Apprenticeship Program
February 26, 2020
Feb. 26 event marks the second regional Signing Day in 2020 aimed at attracting youth to manufacturing careers.
Signing events aren’t just for professional athletes anymore. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, high school students from Orleans/Niagara BOCES and their families will gather in Medina, NY, for the second Signing Day for the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Modeled after the NFL’s high-energy, suspense-filled Draft Day, the Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day will feature an official “draft clock,” contract announcements, signings between students and employers, photo ops, team swag, and the first steps to bright careers for these youth.
This unprecedented program, coordinated by the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe Community College (MCC), was launched in fall 2019 and includes a competitive, multi-phased application and interview process that pairs qualified high school students with local manufacturing companies for related instruction, job shadowing, and paid co-ops. Upon completing work-based opportunities, high school students can earn college credits toward an apprenticeship program and a degree in advanced manufacturing from MCC. Developed by the RTMA and MCC, this unparalleled initiative was created to proactively address the increasing need for a well-trained labor supply in the manufacturing sector.
“We are experiencing a resurgence of American manufacturing in our region and must take bold steps to provide highly skilled workforce to grow manufacturing capacity,” says Bob Coyne, workforce development director for the RTMA. “The former days of manufacturing are behind us, and we are proud to usher in the next generation of talented students who will help lead the industry to a new era of technology, international competition, and manufacturing distinction.”
Twenty manufacturers have stepped forward to serve as student sponsors for the inaugural Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program. These companies include: E&R Machine Inc., JT Precision Inc., NAC, Niagara Precision Limited, Pivot Precision, TF Enterprise, Voss, Precision Grinding & Manufacturing, Acro Industries Inc., Jrlon Engineered Products, JML Optical, Love Beets, OptiPro, Optimax, Kodak, PEKO Precision Products, Micro Instrument Corp., Precise Tooling & Manufacturing, and Cannon Industries.
The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program is supported by funding from RG&E and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Schedule of events and media opportunities:
— Group Picture and Opening Ceremony: 5:15pm
Remarks by Michael Mann, Nicole Goyette, and Dr. Clark Godshall (Orleans/Niagara BOCES)
— Individual Signing with Employers begins: 5:30pm
Event Address:
Orleans/Niagara BOCES
4232 Shelby Basin Rd
Medina, NY 14103