A new program at Onondaga Community College (OCC) is giving job seekers a boost by training them in advanced manufacturing, thanks to funding championed by Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero).

“Programs like this are invaluable in ensuring our local workforce is prepared for the high-tech jobs that are available in this growing industry,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “This is exactly the kind of public-private partnership we need to be cultivating in our community colleges.”

The machine operator program is the result of an initiative launched in April called the Manufacturing Careers Partnership, a coalition of business leaders, educators and community organizations seeking to promote employment growth in Central New York and respond to a need for skilled workers in the region’s manufacturing industry.

The program, which lasts for 12 weeks, combines hands-on training for students in OCC’s state-of-the-art manufacturing lab along with 100 hours of internship experience in the field. Since local employers design the coursework based on their existing needs, students are job-ready upon completion of the program. Graduates can expect to earn a median wage of $36,000 as machine operators.

Stirpe helped secure a total of $1.2 million in the last two state budgets for the establishment of the program. Workforce development grants from the U.S. Department of Labor and private organizations also contributed significantly to getting the program up and running. Currently, 15 students are in the program, which began in September. All costs for students are covered, including textbooks and tools. These students will be completing the course-work of the program this coming December followed by a one month practicum onsite of a local participating manufacturer.

“It’s a win-win for both employers and job seekers,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “This program is especially important for unemployed and underemployed residents in our community who are hoping to learn new skills that will lead to good-paying jobs.”