March/April 2026

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of

Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties'

Apprenticeship 

News & Opportunities

Congratulations, Cohort 2 of the Manufacturing Boot Camp

Pre-Apprenticeship Micro Credential Program!

By Apprenticeship Director Sommer Rabideau


In February, some 15 students received their Manufacturing Boot Camp micro credential after completing 100 hours of classroom instruction and two days of résumé writing and mock interviews Students also toured local manufacturers to gain insight into products, production, and career pathways.


Hands-on coursework covered technical writing, manufacturing safety, blueprint reading, measuring devices, hand tools, battery assembly, soldering, and shop-floor math, equipping students with real-world, job-ready skills.


Local employers attended the graduation ceremony for a final job fair, creating immediate connections to employment opportunities.


This workforce development initiative was made possible through a collaboration of partners, including the WDB's RADAR grant program, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Broome, the SUNY Pre-Apprenticeship Program, CDO Workforce.


We are incredibly proud of this group and grateful to the partners who made this opportunity possible. We can’t wait to follow their success this spring!

 

Businesses: We have On-The-Job Training Funding

Questions? Contact Sommer Rabideau

 


Congratulations, Cohort 1 of the WDB's Mohawk Valley Build Pathways to Apprenticeship Grant Program!


By Apprenticeship Director Sommer Rabideau


In February, some 11 students graduated from the Mohawk Valley Build Pathways to Apprenticeship program.


This 12-week training program is designed for individuals interested in starting a career in the skilled building trades. Students had the opportunity to meet union representatives from nine trades who participated in the Pathways program. They earned nationally recognized credentials through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experiences. After learning about each trade, participants applied for an apprenticeship opportunity that matched their interests and career goals. 


Congratulations, participants!

 
Job Seekers: We can help you jumpstart your new career

Apply Today at radarjoin.com

Questions? Contact Sommer Rabideau

 

Congratulations, Cohort 4 of the WDB's Custom Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program Training Held at

Fiber Instrument Sales


By Apprenticeship Director Sommer Rabideau


We are proud to celebrate the graduation of six participants from Cohort 4 of our Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Fiber Instrument Sales.


With this cohort’s completion, we have now served 37 employees over the past 18 months—strengthening skills, building career pathways, and investing directly in our workforce from within.


This initiative reflects what’s possible when employers are intentional about growing talent internally. Through hands-on training, structured learning, and mentorship, participants are gaining the tools they need to succeed in advanced manufacturing careers.


Congratulations, participants! We look forward to seeing your continued success!"

 

Interested in Joining the Laborers' Union?

Here are some certifications we can pay for:


  • Flagger
  • Aerial Platform/Boom Lift/ Scissor Operator
  • Trench & Excavation
  • Scaffold Safety
  • OSHA
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • Rigger Signalman/Operator Safety


To learn more contact Sommer Rabideau

 

Send an email

 

Apprenticeships: A Proven Solution for Employers

 

Advancing Apprenticeship Opportunities for People with Disabilities


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Apprenticeships are a "hot topic" in the news!


We are keeping up with national and local news on our Apprenticeship Facebook Page including:

  • Reports & trending news,
  • Success stories (apprentices, students, schools, employers & stakeholders),
  • Government news,
  • Apprenticeship tips,
  • Local events and opportunities,
  • And more!


Please like/follow us here:

https://www.facebook.com/ApprenticeshipCNY

About the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, & Oneida (WDB HMO) Counties, Inc.

The role of the local Workforce Development Board (WDB) is system focused and strategic in nature. As a decision-making entity, the WDB determines priorities of service, negotiates measures, facilitates integration, and ensures quality outcomes. By understanding workforce development needs, anticipating trends, and focusing on system outcomes and performance, the WDB can effect substantial long-term change in the economic well-being of the community.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Have Questions? 

Please Contact us!

Alice Savino, Executive Director

asavino@working-solutions.org


 

The RADAR Grant is supported by the United States Department of Labor. A total of $2,999,993.00 (68.23%) of the program is financed with federal funds, and $1,397,000.00 (31.77%) is funded by non-federal sources. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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