For those in the job market, many skills can be acquired, while others you need to learn before you apply for that dream job. SUNY Community Colleges are looking to make learning those skills a little easier. As a result of a $14.6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant, SUNY is partnering with New York State businesses to develop and deliver new education programs with targeted workforce training. At a meeting at the SUNY Global Center today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer joined Chancellor Nancy Zimpher to announce some of the community college programs that have been developed as a result of this grant.
The grant is a part of the federal Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) program. Monroe Community College is leading the consortium of 30 SUNY community colleges and working with over 150 New York State business and economic development organizations to design programs that meet the needs of employers in high-need industries, including nanotechnology and advanced manufacturing.
Since the grant was awarded in September, SUNY community colleges have developed new education programs that will prepare more than 3,000 students for careers in advanced manufacturing in nanotechnology, photovoltaics, semi-conductors, plastics technology, welding, electrical engineering, and optics.
Some of the new programs that will be launched for the Fall 2013 semester include:
- SUNY Adirondack and advanced manufacturing companies have partnered to help students and veterans entering, reentering, or upgrading skills in the areas of advanced manufacturing.
- Cayuga Community College and the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) are developing internship and cooperative education opportunities for students in the fields of plastics technology and precision manufacturing.
- Corning Community College and the American Welding Society will develop a new welding program that meets industry standards and uses virtual welding simulators to train students.
- SUNY Ulster is expanding its existing programs in manufacturing and solar manufacturing to apply industry standards and certification and training, and is exploring non-credit to credit options within its Industrial Design and Engineering programs.
- Schenectady Community College is working with the UAlbany College of Nanoscale Science & Engineering and GLOBALFOUNDRIES to develop a nanotechnology training program to be implemented in partnership with Mohawk Valley and Fulton-Montgomery Community Colleges.
“Broad participation from employers in high-need industries, Governor Cuomo’s leadership, and federal support from Senator Schumer and his colleagues has enabled SUNY to develop training and education programs that will shape New York’s future workforce and drive its economy,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to do what we do best – create jobs and educate students to fill those jobs – and we look forward to bringing these outstanding 21st-century programs to every region.”
“SUNY has some of the top schools in our country and – by matching local industries’ jobs needs with targeted skills-development – this brand new consortium will put our students on the path to success,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer, who kicked off today’s event. “Amazingly, even with high unemployment, there are many industries across Upstate New York that struggle to fill open positions because of a lack of locally available skilled workers. This partnership will bridge the gap between businesses’ demand for 21st-century skill sets to perform high-paying jobs and the local supply of students and workers in need of re-training.
“Thank you to SUNY Chancellor Zimpher for providing this innovative education program to students and workers in New York; I am confident this initiative will energize our educational centers, put people to work, and boost Upstate New York’s economy.”
At the kick-off event today, Chancellor Zimpher was joined by U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, in addition to New York business and industry groups, college representatives, employers, representatives from the New York State Department of Labor, and economic development partners from the state.
I think this is fantastic!