Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) introduced a bill that would provide state funding to educational institutions such as OCC, 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 of today’s manufacturing jobs require specific skill sets that can only be obtained via certificate programs. Students in these programs cannot qualify for current state or federal assistance afforded to those going to 2 or 4 year colleges.” Assemblyman Stirpe said “My legislation will help offset some of the costs associated with the education and training necessary to land good paying jobs, and help employers fill their vacancies with skilled and capable workers.”

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 2 or 4 year degree program. Unfortunately federal and state funding is not available for noncredit certificate programs.

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

“It would also give employers a bigger and better-trained hiring pool, saving them the time and money necessary to train the employees themselves.” Stirpe said

“Assemblyman Stirpe’s bill would increase the number of qualified middle-skills workers available to us in the Central New York area,” said Peter Maier, President, INFICON Inc. “These workers are vitally important to the sustainable success of our local manufacturing companies. The bill will also help regional partners in our supply chain fill vacancies with qualified employees, while cutting down on employee relocation and training costs.”

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, Assemblyman Stirpe added.