Syracuse Surge Workforce Training Programs Seek Applicants

Program will prepare local workforce for in-demand jobs

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse and CenterState CEO, with Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center, OCM BOCES and Onondaga Community College, are aligning with local employers to connect untapped talent in the City of Syracuse to several Syracuse Surge-led workforce training and advancement programs. The programs are intended to create pathways to in-demand, local careers in high-tech manufacturing. Programs include Electrical Mechanical Technician and Surge Advanced Manufacturing, each with opportunities for training, career exploration and networking, as well as connections to employers.

“The manufacturing industry is becoming more agile because of technology and with programs like these we are investing in a workforce that can do the same,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. “Syracuse Surge enables us to compete and design a better ecosystem that connects employers to a trainable workforce and in a way that creates opportunity for all,” said Mayor Ben Walsh. 

Syracuse Surge includes an unprecedented series of investments in tech infrastructure that will position Syracuse as one of America’s ‘smartest’ cities and a global leader in the New Economy. Surge was initiated by the City of Syracuse, which, in collaboration with Onondaga County and leading local institutions, is working to ensure inclusive growth in the New Economy through talent and workforce development, minority, women, veteran and disabled owned (XBE) business development and community engagement.

These programs are funded by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation and the American Rescue Plan Act, which is administered by the City of Syracuse and in line with Mayor Walsh’s commitment to invest in jobs and economic recovery. All participants will receive a stipend while in the program as well as  access to a Surge Career Navigator to help them navigate the pathway into their chosen career. This support includes help with resume writing, interviewing skills and best practices, and how to successfully manage the application process. 

“Thank you to the Syracuse Common Council for authorizing use of the American Rescue Plan to do what it was designed to do: build back better jobs here in our city,” said Mayor Walsh.

“Like communities across the country, talent is a major pain point for the Syracuse metro region’s employers, and at the same time there is significant untapped talent that is here looking for opportunities,” said Dominic Robinson, CenterState CEO vice president of Economic Inclusion. “We want to connect to those talent pools so we can provide them with the high-value support, connections or training they need to access those professional opportunities.”

Training Programs and Career Opportunities:

Electrical Mechanical Technician: This three-week middle-skilled paid training experience co-led by Onondaga Community College and OCM BOCES, includes on-the-job training with employers including Giovanni Foods and Anheuser Busch. The program focus is to prepare skilled workers for careers in mechanical or electrical maintenance, general factory maintenance and servicing large industrial equipment. Candidates should have a pre-assessed knowledge of electrical/mechanical basics. Entry-level wages for these careers range from approximately $18 to $25 an hour.

Surge Advanced Manufacturing: This two-week introductory paid training program at SUNY EOC will prepare people for careers in clean high-tech advanced manufacturing. The program covers blueprint reading, industrial math, technical skills, professional development and networking with employers including NexGen Power Systems, Chimera Integrations and ICM Controls. Entry-level wages range from $14 to $18 an hour with overtime frequently available. These careers typically have significant opportunities for advancement.

Individuals interested in these programs can apply online by Dec. 6, 2021. More information is also available on Facebook @syrsurgeworkforce. It is free to apply and participate. Rosters for the training programs will be announced Dec. 20. All applicants must attend an information session and finalists will be selected for interviews. Successful applicants must reside in the City of Syracuse, be at least 18-years old, be authorized to work in the U.S., be able to read, write and speak English, have their General Education Diploma or High School Diploma, and be able to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Participants are expected to attend the full training program. 

To learn more, press is encouraged to attend the Mayor’s Community Briefing tomorrow, Nov.16, 2021 at 1 p.m. located in the I-Lab In Syracuse City Hall. Please contact Ruthnie Angrand, Director of Communications and Marketing at [email protected].

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward-thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving.www.centerstateceo.com.

About the City of Syracuse 

The City of Syracuse is the fifth largest city in New York State. It is the epicenter of New York and the Central New York region, which is home to a metro population of more than 650,000 residents. The city is in Onondaga County and is also the flagship Smart City of New York known for its tech industry such as the GENIUS NY tech accelerator competition and a rapidly growing Downtown business district. It has a rapidly growing employment market with proximity to major anchor institutions including five colleges and universities and four hospital systems. The city features preserved natural assets like the Onondaga Creekwalk and the Syracuse Inner Harbor and is part of the Erie Canal Bike Trail across New York State. The skyline is marked by new businesses and historic architecture. Its neighborhoods are among the most diverse in the state and are ranked among the best places to live by U.S. News and World Reports. The City of Syracuse is a 4.5 hour drive to cities like New York City, Toronto, Boston, and Philadelphia and is the snow capital of the country.

Watch as CenterState CEO's Vice President of Economic Inclusion, Dominic Robinson, talks with NewsChannel 9 about the opportunities that exist for people in our community.