New York’s Southern Tier has been experiencing a “silver tsunami,” a seismic demographic shift comprised of the massive Baby Boomer generation aging and retiring. This shift is prompting Amphenol Aerospace to recognize a growing challenge: how do you preserve decades of technical knowledge while preparing the next generation of skilled workers?
The answer is Registered Apprenticeship. SUNY is helping them forge the path to workforce security, with SUNY Broome Community College being key to workforce preparation and training.
The company revitalized its Registered Apprenticeship programs to grow talent from within, starting with its Toolmaker Apprenticeship and later expanding into Quality Assurance Auditor (QAA) and Machinist CNC programs. Following standards set by the New York State Department of Labor, apprentices receive a combination of hands-on experience and classroom instruction designed to build real-world skills.
This is not limited to training from a textbook. Apprentices work side-by-side with experienced journeyworkers, master machinists, and supervisors, learning directly from experts who have spent years mastering their craft. Quarterly Apprentice Committee meetings are held to ensure apprentices are supported, connected, and on track for success.
Partnerships also play a major role in the program’s success. Collaborations with SUNY Broome Community College and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) help strengthen training opportunities and create clear pathways for advancement.
According to company leaders, strong support from management and the union has been key to the program’s success. Careful candidate selection, including testing and interviews, assist in hiring the right person for the apprenticeship and performance reviews ensure apprentices are set up to thrive.
By investing in apprenticeships today and partnering with SUNY to train and educate their employees, Amphenol Aerospace is doing more than filling jobs. The company is building a skilled workforce for the future and ensuring that valuable knowledge continues for generations to come.
