2022 FLYAP Signing Day at East High

Rochester – The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) held its first-ever “Signing Day” in a city of Rochester school on Tuesday, March 8 at East High School.  More than 30 students from the city of Rochester and Monroe County’s east side signed up for job shadows and paid co-ops at 15 advanced manufacturing companies.

“The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program provides these students the opportunity to begin their careers in advanced manufacturing while still in high school,” said FLYAP Coordinator Rich Turner. “Signing Day celebrates our great students, families, schools and businesses who are all committed to strengthening our community and economy.”

High school juniors and seniors from East High School, Monroe One BOCES and several schools across the city and county are beginning one-of-a-kind opportunities in several advanced manufacturing trades; including Precision Optics, CNC Machining, Mechatronics and more!  FLYAP is the only manufacturing youth apprenticeship program of its kind in New York State.

“Rochester is well-known for its advanced manufacturers and highly trained workforce. But we cannot rest on our laurels,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Building a bridge to the future requires investing in our students now and giving them the skills and opportunities to join this evolving and in-demand field through programs like FLYAP.”

“Workforce development is key to Monroe County’s success as we recover from the COVID pandemic and position our community for success for future generations,” added Monroe County Executive Adam J. Bello. “Thanks to the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program, the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association and Monroe Community College for strengthening our workforce by connecting young people to the high-paying in-demand jobs in advanced manufacturing.”

FLYAP collaborates with every BOCES and Career and Technical Education high school throughout the city of Rochester and nine-county Finger Lakes Region.  In addition to the Signing Day at East High School nearly 100 students have already signed up for Youth Apprenticeships this year – with more to come over the next several weeks.

“This is a great opportunity for our scholars to use the skills they have learned in their CTE programs to gain meaningful experience in the real world. We are grateful for the opportunity,” said Dr. Shaun Nelms, East EPO Superintendent.

For the 2021-22 academic year, nearly 100 high school juniors and seniors across the region have been placed in career exploration opportunities through FLYAP.  More events are planned throughout the next several weeks. The next “Signing Day” will be held on March 16^th at the Mount Morris BOCES.

Now in its third year, the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program has placed dozens of recent high school graduates in careers in advanced manufacturing throughout the region; including several whom are now in the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program. You can find out more on FLYAP at www.FLYAP.org.

Media Inquiries, contact:

Richard T. Turner

Director of Workforce Development

(585) 510-6557 – Office