MACNY, The Manufacturers Association has received $195,000 in funding from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) under the Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA) Program to expand the Real Life Rosies™ and Advance 2 Apprenticeship direct entry pre-apprenticeship programs to Onondaga and Oswego counties. As part of this milestone expansion, MACNY is partnering with employers, education providers, and community-based organizations, such as Berry Global; Constellation; Giovanni Foods Company; JMA Wireless; N.E.T. & Die, Inc.; Cayuga Community College; Onondaga Community College; Refugee & Immigration Self-Empowerment (RISE); the Oswego Workforce Development Board; and others.

The Real Life Rosies program was launched in the Mohawk Valley in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC); The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.; and community partners, with funding from Empire State Development’s Office of Strategic Workforce Development. Real Life Rosies is the first NYSDOL approved direct entry pre-apprenticeship program in New York State for advanced manufacturing. The program supports the training and skill development of women and individuals in underrepresented populations looking to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing. Through company tours and guaranteed job interviews, the program helps connect employers with skilled and job-ready individuals. In partnership with MVCC and the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities at the University of Rochester, the Advance 2 Apprenticeship program is designed to increase access to apprenticeship, catering to individuals with and without disabilities who may benefit from additional support.

Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY stated, “As the first two direct entry programs in New York State, we’re excited to announce the expansion of the Real Life Rosies and Advance2Apprenticeship programs into Onondaga and Oswego counties. By providing supportive services, such as transportation and childcare, these programs are designed to address the real-life challenges that individuals face when trying to join the manufacturing workforce. With teamwork and collaboration between community partners, educational institutions, and local manufacturers, Real Life Rosies and Advance2Apprenticeship exemplify an innovative approach to diversify and strengthen the manufacturing industry.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Registered Apprenticeships and Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeships empower New Yorkers to get the skills they need to thrive in new careers while also helping businesses succeed. I applaud MACNY for expanding these essential workforce development programs to help more New Yorkers make their career dreams a reality.”

Keiko Kimura, Ed. D., Vice President of Workforce Development and Partnerships at Cayuga Community College said, “Real Life Rosies is a free, fantastic pathway for women to explore the growing career opportunities in manufacturing. This program introduces participants to the diversity of manufacturing skills and processes, all while providing the training they need to jumpstart their careers in the industry. We’re proud to partner with MACNY and Oswego County Workforce New York Career Center to offer Real Life Rosies, and we’re confident participants will realize the benefits of the program.”

Dr. Warren M. Hilton, President of Onondaga Community College said, “Onondaga Community College is excited to play a critical role in expanding the Real Life Rosies program into Central New York, where we will provide women from all different backgrounds access to a proven pathway to a rewarding career in advanced manufacturing. I applaud the work of our partners across the state including, but not limited to, MACNY, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Empire State Development for their tireless work in making the program a reality. Our institution has a long and proud history of collaborating with employers to supply the workers they need. Our commitment to workforce development can be seen on our campus today where we are building the Micron Cleanroom Simulation Lab, along with training centers for CNC Machining, HVAC and Welding. In conjunction with our partners in the Real Life Rosies program, we look forward to continuing to educate the workforce of tomorrow.”

Rachel Pierce, Director of the Oswego County Department of Workforce Development shared, “Oswego County Workforce New York (OCWNY) is excited to be a partner on this endeavor to introduce more women to advanced manufacturing. Manufacturing is such a prominent industry in Oswego County and will continue to strengthen the local economy as more and more community members enter the field. We look forward to partnering with MACNY, Cayuga Community College, and local businesses, welcoming women to the industry, and providing workforce support to ensure program success.”

Haji Adan, Executive Director of RISE said, “RISE is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with MACNY on the Real Life Rosies initiative! RISE seeks to assist members of the New American community during their path to self-sufficiency. A major contributing factor to self-sufficiency is the ability to earn a living wage. Through the Real Life Rosies program, RISE will ensure that women from the New American community have the support necessary to establish themselves in exciting careers that offer a wealth of advancement opportunities.”
The Berry Global Leadership team shared, “Berry Global Syracuse is excited to launch the Real Life Rosies program in Onondaga county. Through our partnership with MACNY, we’re pleased to help create a training pathway through pre-apprenticeship to support women interested in exploring careers in manufacturing. With Berry Global, you can be it if you can see it!”
*This product was funded in whole or in part by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor.