Grant Program Connects Trainees with Advanced Manufacturing Companies
A new initiative by Say Yes Buffalo aims to revitalize the advanced manufacturing sector in Western New York while addressing workforce development needs. The program is part of a broader strategy under the Maritime Industrial Base program, which seeks to boost shipbuilding in the United States. This initiative is particularly timely, given the ongoing push to engage younger generations in careers that support the national defense industry.
Say Yes Buffalo, known for its educational and scholarship initiatives, has secured a two-year grant from the “Build Submarines” coalition. This funding is directed at connecting potential employers within the maritime supply chain to trainees aged 18 to 24, encouraging them to consider roles such as machinists, welders, and other positions essential for shipbuilding. The program addresses the growing need for skilled labor in advanced manufacturing, an area that has seen a decline in workforce participation.
Stephanie Peete, the Workforce Development Director at Say Yes Buffalo, emphasized the importance of creating a “target talent tunnel” to connect eager young workers with local companies. There are over 130 businesses involved in this network, ranging from small family-run shops to larger enterprises like Moog, which is also active in workforce outreach. Moog’s new training center, opened with government support, exemplifies the collaborative effort to strengthen the industrial base in the region.
The program also includes support systems for trainees, such as transportation stipends and necessary equipment like steel-toed boots. Peete highlights the willingness of companies to invest in local talent, describing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. “You have companies that are coming to the table in good faith and they want talented, local employees. I think this is a win-win for everybody,” she stated.
In addition, the Northland Workforce Training Center will play a crucial role in facilitating the training and development of participants. This holistic approach ensures that young trainees receive not just job placements but also the necessary skills and resources to succeed in the field.
The significance of this initiative is underscored by the staggering number of job openings in the maritime industrial sector, estimated to be as high as 100,000 positions across the country. The Say Yes Buffalo program seeks to fill this gap by fostering a new generation of skilled workers ready to meet the demands of the maritime supply chain.
As this grant program is still in its early stages, interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Say Yes Buffalo for more information and the workforce development intake form. The overarching goal is not just to place people in jobs, but to create a sustained pipeline of talent that will support the growth of Western New York’s advanced manufacturing sector and, by extension, bolster national defense capabilities. This initiative represents a strategic investment in both the local community and the future of the U.S. maritime industry.
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