HVCC, CEG help to build strong manufacturing worker base

Times Union

By: Alicia Biggs

HVCC and CEG create manufacturing credential program

A recent U.S. Census Bureau study found New York State manufacturers ranked 48th for structured management practices. Large manufacturers tend to be better at structured management than smaller firms, and New York state has a high concentration of the latter.

Hudson Valley Community College, working with the Center for Economic Growth, held an event in October announcing the establishment of Manufacturing Technology Pathways, a new short-term, stackable credential training program for those interested in joining the Capital Region manufacturing workforce.

CEG’s Pathways Project for Advanced Manufacturing report served as the impetus for HVCC to seek the funding for the program, according to CEG.

“This program will play an important role in building a strong workforce pipeline for the region’s manufacturers,” said President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth Andrew Kennedy. “Through the Pathways study, we identified key skills that are highly sought after in the Capital Region.

The program is intensive and multi-level, designed for participants to earn credentials in a short-term format to qualify for jobs, or build onto with additional coursework. It will focus on catering to groups like adults who want to join the manufacturing workforce, but may not have the time or ability to commit to a full degree of certificate program all at once. It will also provide access to a variety of local manufacturers who have indicated difficulty filling positions.

The second boot camp will be held May 14 to May 25.

According to the June CEG report, underemployed workers in the declining retail trade industry are prime candidates for careers in manufacturing.

“A program like HVCC’s new one could help make this transition easier,” according to James Schlett, director of research and communications at CEG.

CEG continues to identify new ways to help manufacturers operate efficiently, grow and compete, Kennedy said.

“Both the Manufacturing Technology Pathways and our structured management programs strike at removing obstacles to local manufacturers’ growth, whether they are challenges in finding workers with the appropriate skills or a lack of alignment between shop floor performance and organizational strategic objectives,” Kennedy said.