Syracuse Bridge to Manufacturing Careers Celebrates Its First Cohort

The Syracuse Bridge to Manufacturing Careers (BMC) program celebrated the completion of its first cohort in August. Those participating in BMC took part in career exploration, barrier mitigation and skill development to ensure success in pursuing an Electromechanical Technology A.A.S degree at Onondaga Community College (OCC). BMC is a collaborative effort between CenterState CEO, North Side Learning Center, Westcott Community Center and OCC, aiming to help underrepresented populations (women, people of color, un/underemployed people) access higher education opportunities that can lead to careers at Micron and other advanced manufacturing employers.

Twelve students completed the learning community and eight are enrolled and starting at OCC in the fall. During their time in the program, participants visited TTM Technologies, networked with professionals at Lockheed Martin who are currently working in the field and took part in a learning community at Northside Learning Center to help refine math and writing skills prior to entering OCC. They also received college readiness workshops from On Point for College.

“Onondaga Community College is proud to partner with CenterState CEO, the North Side Learning Center, and the Westcott Community Center in the Syracuse Bridge to Manufacturing Careers program. Through our collaboration, we are providing students of all ages with the opportunity to improve their lives through higher education and prepare themselves for rewarding careers in the semiconductor industry. We’re especially proud that eight of the 12 students who were in the program are enrolled at OCC this semester! Syracuse Bridge to Manufacturing Careers is giving students of all ages access to a career with upward mobility,” Onondaga Community College President Dr. Warren Hilton said.

Partners from across the community helped to recruit members of the first cohort, particularly those with an interest in advanced manufacturing and in attending OCC. The program’s “bridge” format has multiple stops, such as skill assessments, networking activities and workshops, designed for individuals to gain needed support and skills on their path to an Electromechanical Technology A.A.S degree from OCC, which prepares individuals for careers in the following occupations:

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers

All those in BMC had access to a Bridge Navigator through the Westcott Community Center, who assists BMC candidates in assessing education and life needs and how to access appropriate support so they can succeed. The Bridge Navigator will provide support through an individual’s first semester at OCC before the candidate transitions to an OCC Navigator.

Students who are not ready to enroll at OCC will stay on the Bridge and continue to receive support and coaching to help them enter the course in the future or to identify a career path better suited to their needs. This could include short term training programs or a transition to another industry. Individuals can spend as much time as they need on the “bridge,” but they can also exit at any point if this is not the career path for them. These participants can be referred to short term training, programs in other industries and continuing education.

BMC is one of the ways CenterState CEO’s Inclusive Growth team is creating greater access to careers in the region’s growing advanced manufacturing industry. Learn more about CenterState CEO’s Inclusive Growth team and their ongoing efforts to build a globally competitive regional economy while maintaining an unwavering commitment to economic inclusion in the community.