MEMO OF SUPPORT
FY 2023 State Budget-Department of Labor
$1 Million – Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program for New York State

MACNY – The Manufacturers Association of Central New York and the Manufacturers Alliance of New York strongly support continued state funding of the New York State Manufacturers Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP) in the amount of $1 Million as a budget line item in the FY 2023 State Budget.

New York State has been funding MIAP, a successful program that targets the upskilling of incumbent and entry-level manufacturing workers, since the program’s launch in 2016. The effective pilot of the apprenticeship program in Central New York created a statewide need to expand and support registered apprenticeships in high demand sectors. Over the course of the program, MACNY has served more than 250 apprentices and pre-apprentices at more than 60 regional companies. Many new apprentices in high-demand fields are projected for the calendar year as the state continues to recover from the pandemic.

The Manufacturers Alliance of New York consists of partner organizations in seven regions throughout the state (Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Long Island, Rochester, Western New York, and the Western Southern Tier) with each organization having a dedicated apprenticeship subject expert to support regional employers. Collectively, the Alliance has served more than 500 apprentices at more than 150 businesses.

MIAP has been rapidly expanding into new industry sectors. These sectors include the
semi-conductor industry, gaming and internet technology (IT) support for the backend of the gaming industry, automotive technologies to include clean energy supply chain support, fine jewelry manufacturing, agriculture, municipal government, insurance, and IT. Apprenticeships for persons with disabilities are also being implemented through a partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Council (DDPC) and the University of Rochester Strong Memorial Center for the Developmentally Disabled.

With its use of trusted associations as intermediaries, along with its collaborative partnering, MIAP is a unique model of apprenticeship with proven results. Additional funding for MIAP would allow for the expansion of programming focused on traditionally underserved populations, youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. It would provide for additional support at each Alliance Partner organization to work with high school, vocational and technical education programs, and community colleges to identify students who would benefit from a registered apprenticeship program. Furthermore, it would help implement a talent community hub, allowing individuals to connect directly with employers in each region.

Given the tremendous success to date, we know MIAP is a critical tool for continuing to build a skilled workforce throughout New York. The program is an essential component of a workforce development strategy to growing a stronger economy through advanced manufacturing.