FLCC OK’d to partner on state apprenticeship programs

Local employers that participate in the state’s apprenticeship program can now select FLCC to provide the instructional component of the program.

Leslie Harris is a graduate of the advanced manufacturing machinist job training program run jointly by Finger Lakes Community College and ITT Goulds Pumps in Seneca Falls. FLCC has state approval to expand its educational programming through New York apprenticeship programs.

The state has approved Finger Lakes Community College to teach classes associated with apprenticeship programs for 11 occupations with advanced manufacturing, including industrial manufacturing technician, quality assurance auditor and electro-mechanical technician.

The designation means local employers that apply to participate in the state’s apprenticeship program can select FLCC to provide the instructional component of the program.

New York has more than 800 registered apprenticeship programs and more than 18,000 apprentices, who are paid full-time employees. Apprentices receive on-the-job training as well as classroom instruction relevant to their job with their pay rising at intervals as their skill-level increases.

“FLCC is ready to meet with employers interested in establishing apprenticeship programs to build a pipeline of new employees for expansions and replacement of retirees,” said Todd Sloane, FLCC’s director of workforce development.

FLCC focused on advanced manufacturing given its experience offering a mechatronic course and a machinist training program with G.W. Lisk Co. and ITT Goulds Pumps. Advanced manufacturing is a growing industry that uses computer-controlled equipment to make precision components.

Apprentices would take the college’s Foundations in Advanced Manufacturing course, developed in cooperation with local companies that identified a set of basic skills all successful employees should have. The course provides the nationally recognized Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential. The CPT credential was developed by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, which selected nine rapidly emerging, data-intensive technologies that will profoundly influence manufacturing production processes and quality control, including artificial intelligence and nanomanufacturing.

FLCC also offers Foundations in Advanced Manufacturing as a stand-alone course to those who are interested in improving their qualifications for employment. The course is currently offered in a hybrid format, meaning it is part online and part in-person.

FLCC holds informational sessions about manufacturing programs through its Workforce and Career Solutions Office every second Wednesday of the month. To register for an informational session, visit flcc.edu/workforce and click on “Manufacturing Programs” or the “Orientations” button.

Employers seeking more information on apprenticeship programs can contact Andrea Badger, custom training specialist, at Andrea.Badger@flcc.edu.