Yesterday, MACNY, The Manufacturers Association and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) hosted a ceremony celebrating the graduates of the Real Life Rosies™ program. The graduating cohort was comprised of Thomas R. Proctor High School seniors that completed the Real Life Rosies program. The graduates were offered summer employment at Indium Corporation, Square 1 Coating Systems, and Semikron Danfoss, some of which were funded through Oneida County’s Summer Youth Employment Program.
The program partner representatives that spoke at the event were: Randy VanWagoner, President of MVCC, Michael Frame, Executive Vice President of MACNY, Myriam Sullivan, Senior Director of Jobs for the Future, Dr. Kathleen Davis, Interim Superintendent of Utica City School District, Michael Godsen, General Manager of Semikron Danfoss, Toni Aho, Real Life Rosies Alumna and Production Operator of Semikron Danfoss.
Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, stated, “On behalf of MACNY, I would like to congratulate the most recent cohort of Real Life Rosies graduates. As the first of its kind in the state, we are proud to see the accelerated growth and success of the program and the impact it has had on the professional development of women looking to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. With teamwork and collaboration between community partners, educational institutions, and local manufacturers, we believe programs such as Real Life Rosies exemplify an ingenious approach to help diversify and strengthen the manufacturing industry.”
Randall J. VanWagoner, President of MVCC, said, “At Mohawk Valley Community College, we believe in empowering the next generation through hands-on experience. The Real Life Rosies pre-apprenticeship program is designed to open doors to the exciting world of advanced manufacturing. By providing early exposure and practical skills, we’re not only preparing high school seniors for future careers but also fueling the growth of our local industries. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering educational pathways that lead to rewarding and sustainable careers.”
Dawn Roller, Associate Vice President of Human Resources of Indium Corporation, said, “At Indium Corporation, we believe that materials science changes the world. We are also strong advocates for initiatives like the Real Life Rosies program, recognizing their potential to create positive change in the lives of participants. Pre-apprentice programs, like Real Life Rosies, have played a crucial role in helping us grow our workforce and keep pace with customer demand. It is both an honor and a source of pride for Indium Corporation to support such initiatives within our community. Congratulations, graduates! We are grateful for the partnerships we have with our sponsor MACNY and educational provider MVCC, which have been instrumental in our success.”
Alice Savino, Executive Director, Workforce Development Board, Working Solutions, shared, “The HMO Workforce Development Board is excited to celebrate the Thomas R. Proctor High School graduates of the Real Life Rosies program, delivered in collaboration with MACNY, MVCC, and many others. This milestone marks a significant achievement in our mission to provide women with direct entry pre-apprenticeship training for careers in advanced manufacturing. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Semikron Danfoss, Indium Corporation, and Square One Coating Systems for their invaluable support. Thanks to these partnerships, many of our graduates have been offered summer employment opportunities that will help them deepen their knowledge and gain practical experience in the manufacturing sector. We are eager to follow the continued successes of these talented individuals and remain committed to our goal of bridging the gap for women pursuing careers in nontraditional roles.”
About the Real Life Rosies program:
MACNY received a grant from Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development to implement the Real Life Rosies program, which was the first New York State Department of Labor approved direct entry pre-apprenticeship program in New York State for advanced manufacturing. The Real Life Rosies program, offered in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College; The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.; and community partners, provides opportunities and support for women to enter and advance in the manufacturing industry while helping employers experiencing a shortage of skilled workers find the talent they need. The program focuses on specific techniques and procedures needed to obtain an entry-level job in manufacturing.