Second Signing Day Event to Welcome 24 High School Students to Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program
March 10, 2021
Batavia, NY—With a combination of technology, determination and creative planning, the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program will hold its 2021 Genesee Valley BOCES “Signing Day” event—in person—on Wednesday, March 10, from 5 to 7 p.m. To celebrate this special occasion, 24 local high school students will be joined by their families and eight manufacturing businesses at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center, 8250 State Street Road.* Taking strict measures to ensure the health and safety of all, organizers have arranged a hybrid event that will combine the excitement of an in-person celebration for all students while also streaming the festivities for those supporters not able to attend in person.
Modeled after the NFL’s high-energy, suspense-filled Draft Day, the Youth Apprenticeship “Signing Day” will feature contract announcements, official signings between students and employers, photo ops, team swag, and the first steps to bright careers for these youth.
In its second year, this innovative program, coordinated by the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe Community College (MCC) with sponsorship from RG&E and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, is the exciting culmination of 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. Combined with this year’s first “Signing Day” event at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES in Spencerport held on March 3, the program now brings together a total of 56 high school students and 21 manufacturers.
Bob Coyne
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. “During this past year, as the world scrambled to address the pandemic, the manufacturing industry swiftly and strategically responded, effectively providing essential supplies while keeping our economic engines running. This experience further underscored the growing resurgence of American Manufacturing in our region,” said Bob Coyne, executive 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.”
Eight manufacturers have stepped forward to serve as sponsors for Genesee Valley BOCES students: Amada Tool, Bonduelle USA Inc, DP Tool, O-AT-KA Milk, Oxbo, Turnbull HVAC, Yancey’s Fancy, and United States Gypsum.
*Upon entering the main parking lot, turn right and continue to the rear of the building to Batavia Academy/Alternative Education Entrance Building #C. The event is not open to the public. Note: COVID protocols as designated by the NYS Department of Health are mandatory. Masks are to be worn at all times by everyone while in the building.