The Workforce Development Board Announces New Registered Apprenticeship Programs

The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties’ Regional Apprenticeship Development & Readiness (RADAR) grant program is pleased to announce recently approved Apprenticeship programs concomitant with the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship by increasing the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that use Registered Apprenticeship and improving the access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs for underrepresented and underserved communities. These individuals receive career guidance, assessment and training in a chosen field, such as manufacturing, IT, healthcare or the trades at no cost to potential employers.

RADAR Program Manager Sommer Edwards says, “We are thrilled to share our active involvement in facilitating the launch of 17 new registered apprenticeship programs for businesses in our area. Our excitement stems from the profound impact these programs will have on fostering skill development, enhancing career opportunities, and bolstering our local economy. We are committed to supporting businesses every step of the way as they embark on this journey, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources to create meaningful apprenticeship experiences. Together, we look forward to building a robust network of skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of our community.” 

According to the Department of Labor, employers who utilize apprentices report higher productivity, higher retention rates, and a substantial return on investment.

Sitrin Health Care Center Vice President Foundation & Communications Marc DePerno says, “The Sitrin Health Care Center is excited to be recently approved as a New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program in Building Maintenance Mechanics. The apprenticeship program provides a unique opportunity to enhance workforce development and creates a learning environment that breeds success. Upon approval, we immediately identified two apprentice candidates who are currently completing the enrollment process.”

State Wide Autos Co-owner Andrew Bennett says, “With today’s ever-changing automotive industry, we are appreciative of the opportunity for our company to participate in the NYS Department of Labor Apprenticeship Training Program and also for the support we receive from the Workforce Development Board. We recently registered our first employee, JC, in the Automotive Service Technician trade. All the program staff we are working with are very helpful and professional and we would encourage other companies to explore this beneficial opportunity for both their company and employees.”

Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) Executive Vice President of Corporate Resources Amy Dewan says, “Each apprenticeship job posting has received interested candidates, and two candidates have recently been hired for the two Human Resources Associate positions. One Human Resources Associate is working with employee benefits and the other is working with hiring direct care workers. The apprenticeships provide opportunities for individuals to apply for positions that they are interested in without having the work experience or education that may be necessary if they were not apprentices. It has allowed the two apprentices hired in RCIL’s Human Resources department to learn about Human Resources and begin assisting with benefits and hiring job responsibilities.”

Apprenticeship programs help employers: 

• Recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce that helps grow their business. 

• Improve productivity, profitability, and an employer’s bottom line. 

• Create flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills. 

• Minimize liability costs through appropriate training of workers. 

• Receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits in participating states.

• Increase retention of workers, during and following the apprenticeship.

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc. (WDB HMO) serves as a leader for workforce development programs and services, and as a regional partner, creating impactful strategies to meet the region’s immediate and long-term workforce needs and economic development priorities.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hosting an apprenticeship or starting an apprenticeship program, please contact RADAR Program Director Sommer Edwards at 315.207.6951, ext. 133 or sedwards@working-solutions.org

This grant program operates in Onondaga, Cortland, Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Herkimer, Otsego, Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie.

The RADAR grant project is 100% funded by a United States Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) award of $2,999,993. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. 

55 Job Seekers Begin Their Registered Apprenticeships This Quarter!

We are excited to share that this quarter, we successfully enrolled 55 job seekers into Registered Apprenticeships, with 50 of those coming from Carpenters Union Local 277! 🎉🔨

To highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the positive impact of the Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) grant, we spoke with Marie Weiss, Council Representative at Carpenters Union Local 277. Here’s what Marie had to say about the significance of apprenticeships, the benefits of the RADAR program, and her thoughts on how other unions and employers can take advantage of similar opportunities:

1. What Does Apprenticeship Mean to You?

“Apprenticeship represents a wealth of opportunities for learning and growth, both professionally and personally. It’s a chance for individuals to advance within a company and the union, while also fostering a strong sense of community between new and experienced members.”

2. Why Is Apprenticeship Important?

“In the Carpenters Union, apprenticeship is a well-rounded approach to education. It combines classroom learning with hands-on practice in the shop and real-world experience on the jobsite. This approach not only prepares apprentices for their careers but also sets the stage for them to one day pass on their knowledge as journeymen.”

3. How Has RADAR Helped Provide Opportunities for Job Seekers?

“RADAR has been essential in breaking down the barriers that new apprentices face. By offering training and financial support for things like books, classes, fees, and tools, RADAR helps job seekers start their careers on a solid foundation and reduces the risk of setbacks or dropouts.”

4. Why Should Other Unions and Employers Utilize Grant Funds Like RADAR?

“With many unions facing a potential increase in retirements and a decrease in new apprentices, it’s crucial to be proactive. Grant funds like RADAR offer a valuable resource to overcome obstacles for new members. It’s a missed opportunity to leave such funds untapped when they can help build a stronger future for the trades.”

5. Is There Anything Else You’d Like to Share?

“Sommer and her team are outstanding. Their dedication and enthusiasm for supporting and growing our membership make it clear that they are just as invested in our success as we are.”

A huge thank you to Marie Weiss, Council Representative for the North Atlantic States Regional Council CARPENTERS LOCAL 277; Jennifer Jones, Administrative Assistant Syracuse Training Center North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund Local 277; Dawn Hurt, Office Manager Carpenters Local 277Office Manager Carpenters Local 277 and the entire team at Carpenters Union Local 277 for your incredible contributions and partnership in this achievement. Together, we are building a brighter future for apprentices and the trades!

Submitted by RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards

Photo above, the students tour Conmed 

Advance to Apprenticeship (A2A) Participants Graduate

The Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce the graduation of Cohort 2 of Advance to Apprenticeship (A2A). A2A is an employment initiative through the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities to improve the success of Apprenticeship programs for people with and without disabilities within the manufacturing industry. This would not have been possible without the collaboration of the Workforce Development Board's RADAR grant, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC). We would also like to thank Nicole Sortino, the Disability Resource Coordinator from the Workforce Development Boards NYSCION grant, who graciously offered her time and support to instruct this group of job seekers. Students had the opportunity to apply for an interview with Danfoss, Wolfspeed, Bartell, Square One Coating, Hartman Enterprises, and Indium. We are excited to share that one of our students has already accepted a position with Square One Coating, and is looking forward to starting their career in Manufacturing this week! It has been a joy to see the growth and overall success of each participant in the program, and we look forward to supporting them in their journey to becoming Registered Apprentices. 

--Submitted by RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards

Congratulations, Graduates!

EMAIL Yawa

For Participants with Children ages 6-14

Congratulations WDB Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Cohort 2!



On Thursday 4/18, Cohort 2 of the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program attended our Employer Day. We had representatives from Classic Environmental, IBEW, JBF Stainless, Carpenters Union, and ADK Distilling Co. attend to share insight on what a career would look like within their organization. The following day, 14 students completed Cohort 2 of the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program.

Workforce Development Board staff are thrilled to have had such an interest in running a second Cohort for individuals looking to explore a career in the Trades. All graduates completed 50 hours of related instruction and workplace readiness skills training, finishing the course with their OSHA-30 certifications.

We would like to thank Mohawk Valley Community College, who provided the space and instructor to make this training possible. A special thank you to our business partners who have made the continued effort to support our program. Our students have already begun applying for positions with the employers they met, and we look forward to following their journey as they secure employment and work towards entering a Registered Apprenticeship program.

Submitted by WDB RADAR Program Director Sommer Edwards

Businesses: We have On-The-Job Training Funding

EMAIL Sommer

Apply Today at radarjoin.com

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

WDB RADAR Program Success!

Through the Workforce Development Board’s RADAR Program, we have had the honor of hosting three separate cohorts of the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Thus far, we have had 40 jobseekers complete the program, most of them gaining employment upon completion.

One particular individual, Kenneth, who enrolled in our program looking to obtain employment in the Trades, specifically Construction, was able to pursue just that by completing the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program. With the assistance from all of his case managers through the WDB, he was able to gain his OSHA-30 certification and achieve a full-time career at a local employer doing Demolition. He now makes $44.50 an hour and is happy with the path he has taken. Kenneth’s story shows other jobseekers what it’s like to have a goal and how to achieve it.

Congratulations to Kenneth for completing the Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Program and for gaining full-time employment in the Trades!

Submitted by WDB RADAR Outreach Coordinator Brianne Nobile

Cohort 3 Graduation

Cohort 3 Employer Day

WDB RADAR Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program Cohort 3 Graduates

On Friday, June 28th, 13 students completed Cohort 3 of the RADAR Trades Pre-Apprenticeship program. Workforce Development Board staff are thrilled to have had continued interest from our job seekers to continue training for individuals looking to explore a career in the Trades.

All graduates completed 50 hours of related instruction and workplace readiness skills training, finishing the course with their OSHA-30 certifications.

Representatives from the Electricians Union, Laborers Union, Revere Copper, and Carpenters Union attended our 'Employer Day' to share what a day in the life looks like within their organization, along with what job opportunities are available upon completing the program.

We would like to thank Mohawk Valley Community College, who have continued to provide the space to make this training possible, employers for continuing to engage and share opportunities with our job seekers, as well as our colleagues for working collaboratively with us on this opportunity.

We are excited to continue offering this Pre-Apprenticeship opportunity to local job seekers as well as replicating our efforts in other counties in the near future.

Congratulations, Cohort3!

Submitted by WDB RADAR Program Director Sommer Edwards

On March 23rd, WDB RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards attended the Carpenters Union Women's History Month Rally

Ms. Edwards says, "I had an amazing time at the Carpenters Local 277 Women's History Month Rally! Collaborating with the Union has been instrumental in increasing opportunities for women in the workplace. It was great to spend the day with such an inspiring group of individuals. I am thankful for the friendships that have been built and to have been a part of such a wonderful event."

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

Real Life Rosies Grant Update

On March 25th Cohort 5 of the Real-Life Rosies - Youth Pre-Apprentices from Proctor City School District toured Square One Coating. 

Email Yawa

Cohort 6 Tour of Riverhawk

Cohort 6 Tour of Danfoss

Real Life Rosies Cohort Six Graduate!

Register Now for Cohort Seven!

This past spring, Real Life Rosies concluded their first cohort in collaboration with the Utica City School District. This cohort took place with 10 Proctor High School senior girls graduating from the cohort with their Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) certification. The week of July 8-10, these participants will be completing their Occupational Safety and Health Administration ten-hour (OSHA 10) training prior to starting four-week long internships through Summer Youth Employment with manufacturers such as Danfoss and Indium.

Cohort 6 of Real Life Rosies wraps up on July 11th. Throughout the last 14 weeks of this cohort, participants were able to visit various manufacturers throughout Oneida County, such as Danfoss, Indium, and Riverhawk. They will also be testing this week for their CMfgA, and completed their OSHA 10 as of May. With three on-site tours, and two Human Resources Screenings and Interview sessions with various employers, many of the participants were excited to learn more about the world of manufacturing and potentially enter that sector of employment.

Cohort 7 will differ from Cohort 6, which was a two days a week,12-weeks format. Real life Rosies' Cohort 7 will take place at Utica MVCC from July 29th-August 15th, Monday-Thursday from 8:45am-4:15pm. In this condensed "Summer Bootcamp," children from the ages of 6-14 will be able to attend MVCC's summer camps for free during program hours. During the course of this training, participants will on soft skill development, learn about robotics and manufacturing, in preparation for their CMfgA certification, and partake in interviewers with employers.

Registration for this training ends soon, so if you would like to jumpstart a satisfying and good paying career in the field of manufacturing complete an intake at www.joinrosies.com!

Submitted by WDB Case Manager Special Projects Mary Katherine A. Moylan

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Benefits of Apprenticeship

• Helps recruit and develop a highly skilled workforce.
• Improves productivity and the bottom line.
• Provides opportunities for tax credits and employee tuition benefits in some states.
• Reduces turnover costs and increases employee retention.
• Creates industry driven and flexible training solutions to meet national and local needs.
• Allows workers to earn and learn at the same time.

More and more companies are realizing the advantages we can offer in helping to train their future workforce.

Employers: If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please let us know!

We can also help you set up a new apprenticeship program. 

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