Assemblymember Brindisi: Advanced Manufacturing Training Prepares Students for Bright Careers

Work continues to train local workers for vacant manufacturing positions

June 10, 2013

Assemblymember Anthony J. Brindisi (D-Utica) announced the passage of a bill he sponsored that would provide state funding to educational institutions such as MVCC, not-for-profits, industry public-private partnerships and individuals for the training and certification needed to enter the field of advanced manufacturing (A.7673).

“Many local manufacturers have expressed the need to fill vacant positions with skilled workers. The problem is, training a new employee in advanced manufacturing is expensive and time consuming – that’s created a hesitation to hire,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “We can’t afford to have that here. This bill would offset some of the costs associated with advanced manufacturing training, helping local employers fill their open positions with skilled workers from the area.”

The legislation is aimed at filling what many refer to as a “middle-skills gap,” where positions require specific skill sets that you cannot get from a traditional two-or four-year degree program. Unfortunately, federal and state funding are not available for noncredit certificate programs.

Specialty training courses in advanced manufacturing can run upward of $5,000 each. Many who are looking for a good-paying job or to start a new career are deterred because of the high cost, especially those who are unemployed or under employed. A lot of businesses point to the lack of skilled workers as a growing problem here in CNY and beyond.

The funding for this legislation would come from the Empire State Fund. The Empire State Development Corporation will determine what will qualify as an “advanced manufacturing” certificate and award the funds, with preference being given to programs that foster local and regional public-private partnerships.

Continuing local manufacturing efforts

“The passage of this bill comes in conjunction with my ongoing efforts to have New York create a manufacturing diploma for high schools students,” Assemblymember Brindisi said. “If both of those measures become a reality, the future would be much brighter for local students and our economy alike.”

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