ALBANY, N.Y.—The Business Council of New York State, Inc. today announced that a number of manufacturers involved in NYS P-TECH partnerships across the state will host open houses in October to commemorate Manufacturing Day. The official Manufacturing Day is on October 2, and the events — geared toward local parents, teachers and other community members — are part of a nationwide effort to educate the public on modern manufacturing and draw attention to outstanding job opportunities in the industry.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo declared October 2015 as Manufacturing Month in New York State.
The NYS P-TECH program establishes grade 9-14 career schools throughout the state. The schools, which are the result of partnerships between businesses, community colleges and school districts, focus on student achievement of a two-year college degree, high school diploma and mastery of professional skills by end of the sixth year. Students also gain the workplace experience necessary to be first in line for STEM jobs.
Partnerships that will host events include Hudson Valley Pathways Academy, P-TECH Auburn, P-TECH OHM, WNY P-TECH STEM Academy, Valley P-TECH, Southern Adirondack P-TECH, ADK P-TECH, HFM P-TECH, Clean Energy/Sustainable Technologies ECHS, LI P-TECH, Syracuse P-TECH and Wayne Finger Lakes P-TECH.
“Growing manufacturing is a key to our economic success and closing the skills gap,” said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council. “Jobs in this sector are good-paying and have an impressive multiplier effect, but unfortunately, many positions remain open in the state and nationwide due to a lack of skilled workers. We are thrilled to be involved in the NYS P-TECH program and support these innovative partnerships, 16 of which include at least one career pathway in advanced manufacturing.”
According to recent report by ReadyNation, New York could face a deficit of 350,000 workers for mid-level skill jobs by 2020.
The Business Council represents nearly 2,400 private sector employers across New York State, with members in all economic sectors and of all sizes, who together employ more than 1.2 million New Yorkers. It was formed in 1980 with the merger of Associated Industries of New York and the Empire State Chamber of Commerce, and manufacturers remain the largest component of its membership.
Please contact Robin Willner at [email protected] for more information on local Manufacturing Day events.
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