Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Project Success Story: Giotto Enterprises Graduates Cohort 2 of Their Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program

By RADAR Outreach Coordinator Brianne Nobile

We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of Cohort 2 of the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Giotto Enterprises! Ten dedicated employees at Giotto recently wrapped up their in-depth, hands-on training in advanced manufacturing, marking a significant milestone as the second group to graduate from this transformative program. The training provided participants with critical skills in a variety of areas, ensuring they are well-equipped for the next step in their careers. The program included:

• Basic Workplace Safety
• OSHA
• Emergency Response
• First Aid & CPR*
• Interpersonal Communications
• Conflict Management
• Ingredients of Effective Meetings
• Position, Interests, and Negotiation
• Professional Development & Skill Building
• Delegation, Responsibility, and Accountability
• Emotional Intelligence
• Technical Development
• Basic Technical Drawing/Communication
• Technical Trade Theory
• The Quality Continuum

This robust training serves as a steppingstone for participants to enter Registered Apprenticeships within Giotto Enterprises, creating a sustainable talent pipeline.

We’re already seeing success from the program—four employees from Cohort 1 have transitioned into Registered Apprenticeships, showcasing the effectiveness of the program in preparing individuals for career advancement.

We are excited to continue following the journeys of the employees from Cohort 1 and Cohort 2 as they apply their skills in the field, and we are thrilled to announce that Cohort 3 began at the end of April.

This program is not just about learning technical skills; it’s about empowering employees to take the next step in their professional development and contribute to the continued success of Giotto Enterprises.

We look forward to seeing even more success stories unfold as this initiative continues to grow.

Businesses: We have On-The-Job Training Funding

Questions? Contact Sommer Edwards - 315-207-6951 ext.133

From L to Right: Michelle Hall, Franca Armstrong, Sommer Edwards, Erica Schoff

WDB Apprenticeship Project Director Sommer Edwards Participates in Panel Discussion at CSArch

Workforce Development Event in Utica

On May 1st, WDB Apprenticeship Project Director Sommer Edwards joined other area workforce development professionals in a panel discussion sponsored by CSArch, held at Saranac Brewery in Utica.

Along with Ms. Edwards, the panel included Ken Adamczyk of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Franca Armstrong of Mohawk Valley Community College, Erica Schoff of the Griffiss Institute and Michelle Hall of the Utica City School District.

The discussion included key points about how to respond to a rapidly changing work landscape, including:

• The Classroom to the Career Path
• The Shrinking Workforce
• Nontraditional Workers
• Reinventing Training for the 21st Century
• Opportunity in the Form of Micron

Read more about the event from NYATEP

View the recording



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RADAR Grant Partnership with Utica City School District

Powers Student Success

By WDB Apprenticeship Project Director Sommer Edwards

The WDB's Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) grant is proud to highlight its impactful partnership with the Utica City School District (UCSD). Together, they have launched an exciting initiative that enabled seven high school students to participate in an 80-hour DOT Pre-Apprenticeship Program through Mohawk Valley Community College.

This collaboration is creating meaningful, real-world experiences that help students build essential skills and forge a clear path from the classroom to careers in the skilled trades. It’s all about investing in our future workforce and empowering students with the tools they need to thrive after graduation.



We’re excited to celebrate the halfway mark of the training program and look forward to showcasing the students' achievements upon completion this spring!

Apply Today at radarjoin.com

Questions? Contact Sommer Edwards - 315-207-6951 ext.133

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 Edwards:

sedwards@working-solutions.org

315-207-6951 ext.133

Send an email

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

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.