RTMA, MCC & FWD Center Graduate First-Ever Advance 2 Apprenticeship Pre-Apprenticeship Program

The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA), Monroe Community College (MCC) today celebrated its first-ever graduation for the Advance 2 Apprenticeship Pre-Apprenticeship Program at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center (FWD Center) in Rochester. Fourteen participants completed the four-week, 72-hour training program which included the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential through Tooling U-SME.

“The RTMA is proud to graduate the first cohort of the Advance 2 Apprenticeship program in partnership with MCC and the FWD Center,” said Rich Turner, Director of Workforce Development for the RTMA. “More than a dozen participants passed their Certified Manufacturing Associate credential and now have a direct path to a great career in advanced manufacturing which includes competitive pay, great benefits, and room for growth.”

“The Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center at Monroe Community College's Downtown Campus is proud to deliver this customized program, which empowers all people to realize the depths of their abilities and achieve their dreams,” said Siva Visveswaran, FWD Center Director. “We value our continued partnership with the RTMA in providing hands-on training which enables participants to be workplace-ready and, in turn, enhances the economic success of our community.”  

Advance 2 Apprenticeship is a partnership between the RTMA and Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities. The program supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as anyone looking to develop a career in advanced manufacturing through pre-apprenticeship training. The program also offers employability skill development, hands-on training, and guaranteed job interviews with local companies. In addition to the CMfgA credential, participants also earned the OSHA-10 credential and toured several advanced manufacturing companies in the greater Rochester region.

Advance 2 Apprenticeship also assists with childcare, transportation, equipment and clothing, and also offers incentive stipends to participants. The program was first introduced in central New York and expanded through the RTMA this year.

Additional cohorts are being planned for 2026. For more information on Advance 2 Apprenticeship you can visit https://www.rtma.org/advance2apprenticeship or contact the RTMA at 585-510-6557 or info@rtma.org. Advanced 2 Apprenticeship is supported by the Manufacturers Association of Central New York, Empire State Development, the ESL Charitable Foundation, Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities, and RochesterWorks.