CenterState CEO Workforce Innovation Efforts Featured on Syracuse.com

CenterState CEO's Vice President of Workforce Innovation Aimee Durfee spoke with Syracuse.com about the organization's ongoing efforts to ensure area training programs align with Micron’s construction and manufacturing needs, so that Central New York residents are prepared for the career opportunities currently available and those on the horizon. The article explores the broad ecosystem of workforce development initiatives across the region training people for the family-sustaining careers associated with Central New York's growing microelectronics industry and innovation economy.

CenterState CEO initiatives and programs mentioned include the Future Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium (FRWIC), Pathways to Apprenticeship and Bridge to Manufacturing Careers:

"CenterState’s [Aimee] Durfee said the area is likely to draw many workers from other parts of New York and the country to help fill the jobs that will come with Micron. However, she said she would like to see as many local residents take those jobs as possible.

'We want to focus on ensuring the talent that lives here is prepared for the growth,' she said.

CenterState is partnering with Micron and Syracuse University on an initiative called the Future Ready Workforce Innovation Consortium, consisting of 50 organizations including colleges, school districts, unions and trade organizations. The consortium is working to ensure that the organizations’ training programs align with Micron’s construction and manufacturing needs. Once supply chain companies associated with Micron come to the area, the consortium will work to align training programs for their needs, too, Durfee said.

CenterState is also overseeing other programs designed to help people get jobs in construction and manufacturing. Syracuse Pathways to Apprenticeship provides training to help local residents — particularly women, people of color and veterans — gain access to the building trades’ registered apprenticeship programs and prepare them for construction jobs. Since the program started four years ago, 158 people have gone through it.

A newer program, Syracuse Bridge to Manufacturing Careers, is based at the Westcott Community Center. Participants meet with employment coaches to learn about manufacturing job opportunities and the skills they require, take tours of local manufacturers, receive help applying for tuition assistance and receive tutoring on basic math skills. Twelve people have gone through the pilot program so far."