Dozens Attend Second Annual Manufacturing Educators’ Day

Rochester – The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) in collaboration with its Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) and Monroe Community College (MCC) hosted the 2^nd annual Manufacturing Educators’ Day at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center (FWD Center) at MCC’s Downtown Rochester campus. More than 70 educators from schools across the greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region learned more careers, apprenticeship opportunities, and training programs in advanced manufacturing.

Manufacturing Educators’ Day featured an information session, keynote speech and hands-on demonstrations. This year’s speaker is Dr. Dale Pearce, the co-creator of the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program. Dr. Pearce successfully defended his dissertation (Ed.D.) in Skilled Trades Registered Apprentices from the American College of Education. He formerly served MCC as its Apprenticeship Manager and is an advocate for apprenticeship programs and career paths in technical fields.   Dr. Pearce offered a simple yet effective statement. “Don’t let a degree define you.”

Teachers, administrators and guidance counselors also experienced hands-on demonstrations that explained several Industry 4.0 requirements for the for the future workforce. Stations included Mechatronics, Smart Factory, VR/AR and Z-Space, and more.

Manufacturing Educators’ Day also included information on other annual events including ROC With Your Hands, the Women in Manufacturing Summit and Pre-Apprenticeship programs. The event was held at no cost to schools and educators.