New details revealed about the Manufacturing Technology Pathways
Julio Rodriguez
Editor-in-Chief
Are you looking for free training in the field of manufacturing technology? Hudson Valley’s newest Manufacturing Technology Pathways Project is available to students looking for entry-level knowledge.
Associate Dean of TEC-Smart Penny Hill said, “Hudson Valley Community College will work collaboratively with CEG, the Capital Region WDBs, a variety of local manufacturers who have indicated difficulty filling positions, and a coalition of other organizations to build this program called Manufacturing Technology Pathways that would increase the pipeline and help meet their need for skilled workers.”
The new program offers two credit-free courses leading to entry-level positions in basic manufacturing assembly and warehousing.
The program is specifically targeted toward adults looking to join the manufacturing workforce. It was designed to accommodate students who lack the necessary time to devote to a full-time degree or certificate program in Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
Manufacturing is the production of merchandise for use or sale using labour and machines, tools, chemical and biological processing and/or formulation.
Manufacturing technology provides the tools that enable production of all manufactured goods.
The median annual wage for all workers in manufacturing was $37,690 in May 2013, which is higher than the $35,080 median annual wage for all workers. In some occupations, workers have higher wages in manufacturing than they do in other industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Manufacturers across New York State report increasing skills gaps as a key challenge to their success,” said the associate dean of TEC-Smart Penny Hill. “With current, skilled workforce aging out and retiring in record numbers production is slowed by lack of new workers.”
Hill noted that existing workers are forced to work extra shifts because of the lack of new workers.
“Existing workers are forced to work extra shifts or overtime to meet the demands of incoming orders. Overtime cuts into company profit. Business is lost when orders cannot be met,” said Hill.
The free Level 1 coursework is offered online and can be started at any time.
Level 1 is an introductory course delivered entirely online that takes anywhere from 18 to 25 hours to complete. Students who take advantage of this opportunity will learn basic shop math, precision measurement, computer literacy skills, safety concepts and effective communication skills.
Hill said, “There is no eligibility requirements to participate in the program other than initiative. It starts as series of online, non-credit skills based courses with lower math and reading levels.”
After the first course, students will have to pay $150 in tuition to complete Level 2, which is an intensive two-week boot camp that builds on existing skills acquired in the first step of the coursework.
The Level 2 course is designed as a hybrid, meaning it includes both in-person and online components. The face-to-face instruction in classrooms will be housed in Lang’s Technical building.
Level 2 will teach principles of precision measurement, elementary blueprint reading, simple computer numerical controls, simple manufacturing obstacles, group dynamics and critical thinking, as well as high performance and lean manufacturing concepts.
Level 1 of the program is available now. The first Level 2 boot camp will be held at Hudson Valley from Dec.18-22, 2017 and from Jan. 8-13, 2018. The second boot camp will be held from May 14-25, 2018.
Hill said the creation of the program came about after a report released by the local Manufacturers Extension Partnership.
“In June 2017 a significant regional report was prepared by the local Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP) Center for Economic Growth for the three Capital Region Workforce Development Boards titled “The Pathways Project for Advanced Manufacturing–Final Report,” said Hill.
The project is funded through a SUNY workforce development grant with additional support from the NYS Workforce Development Institute, Center for Economic Growth and local manufacturing employers.
Hill said, “HVCC Advanced Manufacturing degree has an excellent reputation in the region and a reputation for producing quality graduates with local manufacturers.”
Hill continued, “This program is not meant to take the place of that degree, but introduce more people to the opportunities in manufacturing. Get involved, check the program out and refer others who may be seeking a direction and like to work to make something also give it a try.”