Press release:
The Genesee County Economic Development Center’s (GCEDC) Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology Certificate training program has passed the halfway point and 24 students are on track to graduate on Nov. 18, 2011. Students have engaged in classroom work at Genesee Community College (GCC) and hands-on training at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).
“Going to RIT was one of the most exciting days so far, Statistical Processing Control was fascinating,” said Dawn Hart, program participant. “Finally I understand how some of the formulas we learned during statistics class can be applied to the manufacturing process."
The Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology program is funded by a grant from the New York State Office of Community Renewal and is free to the current participants. The training program is designed to prepare participants for entry level manufacturing positions by introducing them to the skill sets necessary to succeed in a high-tech and advanced- manufacturing environment. GCEDC, in conjunction with GCC and RIT have developed the program in an effort to bridge the gap between employers and prospective employees.
Not only are the students learning lean manufacturing, blueprint reading, CAD, programmable systems and other core skills, but they have the opportunity to tour local manufacturing operations and hear from industry experts. Greatbach Medical, Automotive Corp., Liberty Pumps, Syntec Optics, Sigma LLC, and Alpina Foods have all participated in the training program, connecting with students and further validating the need for this type of training.
“I was pleasantly surprised with the type of questions asked by the class when I had completed the condensed employee orientation presentation,” said Doug Smith, plant manager at Automotive Corp. in Batavia. “I believe that the class represents an excellent first group for the launch of the program and their efforts will result in contributing to the future of the program."
Successful program participants will earn a certificate in Advanced Manufacturing and Nano-Technology and have an opportunity to meet with local employers at the conclusion of the program. Participants will be surveyed in the future to gain further insight into the program’s success in placing persons into jobs, or fostering an interest in an individual to continue in this field of study.
With many local manufacturers expressing an interest in the graduates of this program, the GCEDC, in conjunction with GCC and RIT, will continue to seek funding for this certificate program.
