Education & Training

Summer is finally here, although I think someone needs to tell Mother Nature!  Things are going to be very busy this summer at the Applied Technologies Center.  We are running two boot camp/job readiness training sessions this summer.  One is a 200 hour, 9 week training for basic machine skills, math, print reading and cnc setup.  The other is an optics fabrication skills training.  Since we announced that we will be doing this training over the summer, we have had many other agencies contact us to do more similar training.  Our goal is to train as many people as possible for jobs in the advanced manufacturing industry.

The last two months my phone has been ringing off the hook with companies trying to hire graduates.  It appears new orders have really taken off.  Unfortunately, all our graduates have been hired for this year.  I would like to say we have strong enrollment for fall, but we don’t.  We do a tremendous amount of outreach to the schools through career days, presentations, college days and dual credit.  It is still difficult to make students and parents aware of the excellent careers that are available in precision machining.  Fortunately, I believe that tide is starting to turn.  Even in Albany they are starting to realize that there is an incredible need for graduates with “Middle Skills”.  These are skills that are beyond high school but not a 4 year Bachelors degree.  These would include our Precision Machining Certificate and A.A.S. degree.  The shortage of people that have the necessary skills is having a severe affect on manufacturing’s ability to maintain a skilled workforce.

The need for advanced skill training has caught the attention of Monroe Counties Industrial Development Council.  They have initiated a new program that will offset the cost of training employees to receive industry recognized certifications,  ex. NYS Journey papers, MCC Precision Machining Certificate and A.A.S. degree.  The program is called “Monroe on the Job.” I have added an overview of the program.

MONROE ON THE JOB

 Monroe On The Job is a groundbreaking skilled trades training initiative. The program is available to manufacturers or skilled trades’ employees, participating in qualified certification programs which lead to an industry recognized certification or transferable credential. 

Program expenses are eligible for reimbursement, up to $4,000 per employee or $16,000 per company. Employers must match at least 50% of the total program cost.  Employee wages are not eligible training costs. Funds will be paid directly to the Employer upon satisfactory evidence of training completion.

For more information call 753-2000.

ATTENTION:  Big change for MCC this year, the college has implemented a registration deadline.  All students need to be registered by Monday, August 29!  Please mark your calendars to get your employees registered before that date!  No one will be allowed to register after that day.  Fall registration is currently taking place, so please call us anytime to register for fall.

Pam Kone is our Apprentice Coordinator, she is your first call to get employees registered for classes.  She also keeps a record for apprentices to keep them on track of their courses.   Contact Pam @ pkone@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-3729 or call me, Bob Lasch, rlasch@monroecc.edu or (585) 292-3748.