Approximately 30 area business and economic development leaders attended a forum in Albany on Friday to address the workforce needs of the manufacturing industry.
Hosted by Capital Region BOCES and the Center of Economic Growth (CEG) at the Career and Technical Education Center – Albany Campus, the forum spotlighted CEG’s Registered Apprenticeship Program. Specifically, the forum touted how students who take part in work-based learning through the Capital Region BOCES Machining and Manufacturing program can move right into the apprenticeship program.
“As people retire, we have this up-and-coming workforce behind them thanks to BOCES and the apprenticeship program,” said Patrisia Sheremeta, Human Resources Director at Greno Industries.
Ms. Greno is one of about 300 business partners that works with Capital Region BOCES; it is also involved with CEG and the apprenticeship program.
Among those speaking at the event were Skeals and 2023 Capital Region BOCES and Schenectady High School graduate Noah Marbley, who is taking part in the apprenticeship program.
“I learned a lot about the manual side of manufacturing, and Mr. Skeals was a super great teacher and really, really relaxed,” Noah said. “I felt ready to come to Greno and start the program.”
Noah works full-time at Greno Industries and attends the Advanced Manufacturing program at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) three nights a week. Greno and the New York State Apprenticeship Program is paying for his education at HVCC.
“I try my best and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to me. Greno has given me a really good opportunity and I want to make the best of it,” he said.
According to a recent Fortune magazine article, the textile industry is experiencing a 20% worker shortage, and the metal fabrication industry expects a 400,000-worker shortage by 2024. Locally, businesses like Package One, STS Steel and Greno Industries are always looking to fill vacancies with a skilled workforce.
“We had some serious problems getting talent into the doors. We’ve had to turn down jobs because we didn’t have the people to handle them,” Ms. Sheremeta said.
Mr. Skeals, who is also a graduate of the BOCES program, said the Manufacturing and Machining program in combination with the apprenticeship program is a great resource for area employers.
“It doesn’t matter what trade it is, people with the knowledge of a skilled trade can go anywhere and be in demand,” he told those in attendance at Friday’s forum.
“The program and the apprenticeship is a win-win. The industry gets what it needs, and the students get a solid career.”
Mollie Daley, work-based learning coordinator at Capital Region BOCES, added that “work-based learning is a critical part of the education we offer while also helping our industry partners.”