RTMA & BOCES 2 CWD Celebrate Fall Graduation of the Real Life Rosies © Pre-Apprenticeship Program

RTMA Staff

4 hours ago

2 min read

Spencerport, NY – The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Center for Workforce Development (CWD) tonight celebrated the graduation of the latest cohort of the Real Life Rosies © Pre-Apprenticeship Program, supporting the Finger Lakes manufacturing industry. Eighteen participants successfully completed the six-week, 72-hour training program, earning the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential through Tooling U-SME.

Real Life Rosies © is designed to expand opportunities for women in advanced manufacturing by providing no-cost pre-apprenticeship training that combines technical instruction with career readiness. As New York's first direct-entry program focused specifically on women pursuing manufacturing careers, it plays a vital role in addressing workforce needs while creating accessible pathways into a high-demand industry.

Participants gained hands-on experience, completed classroom instruction, and earned industry-recognized credentials, including the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) and OSHA-10 certifications. The program also provided exposure to real-world manufacturing environments through tours of local companies, helping participants explore career opportunities and gain a deeper understanding of the region's manufacturing sector.

"Today we celebrate a remarkable group of women who have invested in themselves, embraced new challenges, and taken an important step toward a career in advanced manufacturing," said Ruth Thompson, Pre-Apprenticeship and Training Manager at the RTMA. "Each Real Life Rosies cohort brings energy, determination, and a willingness to learn that inspires all of us. Thanks to the strong collaboration between our education and industry partners, participants gain both technical knowledge and real-world experience. Their hands-on training in the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Manufacturing Process Center helps them develop the skills, confidence, and readiness employers are looking for, setting them up for success in the manufacturing industry."

Additional Real Life Rosies© cohorts are scheduled for Winter 2027. For more information about upcoming programs, visit www.rtma.org/real-life-rosies, call 585-510-6557, or email RThompson@RTMA.org. The Real Life Rosies© Program is supported by the Manufacturers Talent Institute, Empire State Development, New York State Department of Labor, the ESL Charitable Foundation, and RochesterWorks.