RTMA Announces Record Setting Numbers for its Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program

The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) announced 2022 as a record setting year for its regional sponsorship of the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program for Advanced Manufacturing through the Manufacturing Intermediary Apprenticeship Program (MIAP). The RTMA has the largest group sponsorship for advanced manufacturing apprenticeships in New York State. 

This year, the RTMA registered more than 50 apprentices from more than 20 companies for registered apprenticeships in over a dozen advanced manufacturing trades. Trades include Electromechanical Technician, CNC Machinist, Industrial Manufacturing Technician and more. A half dozen companies in the city of Rochester, West Henrietta, Gates and the Genesee Valley entered into the RTMA’s sponsorship this year. 

“The need for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing is needed now more than ever and having an apprenticeship program is a valuable tool in recruiting and retaining the next generation of workforce,” said Bob Coyne, RTMA Executive Director. “Registered apprenticeships offer employees the chance to ‘learn while you earn’ while becoming an expert in your respective trade.” 

The RTMA established the program in June 2018 and now sponsors 15 advanced manufacturing trades for more than 30 companies across the nine-county Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. Under an agreement with the New York State Department of Labor, the RTMA can sponsor companies and eliminate a significant burden for local businesses. The RTMA also secures federal and state grant funding which benefits both apprentices and their respective companies. 

“Apprenticeships offer the next generation of workers a clear path to success as their companies fill high-demand jobs in one of the region’s largest industries,” added Rich Turner, RTMA Director of Workforce Development. “The combination of on-the-job experience and related instruction result in a high level of education and professional development that strengthens our local workforce.” 

This year, the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association also secured additional incentive for its apprenticeship program. The RTMA distributed more than $5,500 to companies with apprentices from a Workforce Development Institute (WDI) grant which subsidized Mastercam training. Through the MIAP, more than $35,000 from the Jobs For The Future (JFF) grant was distributed to several companies that registered young adults under the age of 21 and apprentices from underserved communities.  

The RTMA’s sponsorship of the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program is available to both member and non-member businesses. For more information, you can visit https://www.rtma.org/apprenticeship/ or call (585) 510-6557.