Advance 2 Apprenticeship

Program Description

Advance 2 Apprenticeship is an employment initiative though the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities to improve access to apprenticeship programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) within the manufacturing industry. The project is a collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), Center for Workforce Development at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES (CWD) and Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA).

Courses at MVCC start in Fall 2023. Courses at CWD start in Spring 2024.

Please contact us for more information.

Ready to Advance 2 Apprenticeship?

• Are you 18 years old or older?
• Are you comfortable with applied math and computers?
• Do you like working with your hands and creating things?
• Willing to learn to earn by participating in pre-apprenticeship courses?

You may be interested in exploring careers in Advanced Manufacturing!

Hear from industry professionals working within their chosen career just like you!

Advance 2 Apprenticeship offers pre-apprenticeship courses in Manufacturing for people with and without disabilities who can benefit from additional supports to succeed.

• Programs utilize Universal Design and offer wrap around supports.
• Obtain Support to Develop New Skills for a Career in High-Wage In-Demand trades with Opportunities for Advancement!

Course Options

Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), Enrolling for Fall 2023

• BASIC MANUFACTURING: Learn applied mathematics, hand tool usage, safety, part tolerancing and CNC basics.

Center for Workforce Development (CWD), Enrolling for Spring 2024

• MACHINING: Learn to operate machine tools and set- up tools, such as milling machines, grinders, lathes, and drilling machines.
• INDUSTRIAL OPERATOR: Learn to set-up, operate, monitor, and control production equipment. Efficiently and safely manage materials.
• WELDER: Learn to review blueprints, cut metal into the appropriate shapes, and smooth molten metal to remove creases.

Program Benefits

• Pre-apprenticeship classroom instruction hours will align with related instruction within a registered apprenticeship.
• Students will have supports available in and outside of the educational environment to support both learning and employment success.
• Graduates of Advance 2 Apprenticeship may have opportunity to earn a Certified Manufacturing Associate and the National Career Readiness Certificate.
• After successful program completion, each student will have the opportunity to interview for manufacturing positions that may include:
  • Production Operator/Assembler
  • Machine Operator
  • Inspection Technician
  • Shipping/Receiving/Warehouse/Personnel
  • Welder

Our Partners

Mohawk Valley Community College, Utica, NY

Working Solutions

The Manufacturers Association of Central New York

Funding Source