Press release
With a combination of technology, determination and creative planning, the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program held its 2022 Genesee Valley BOCES “Signing Day” event in person on Thursday, February 10 at 5:00 p.m.
To celebrate the special occasion, over 20 local high school students were joined by their families and a dozen leading manufacturing businesses at the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center. Taking strict measures to ensure the health and safety of all, organizers arranged a hybrid event that combined the excitement of an in-person celebration for all students while also streaming the festivities for those supporters not able to attend in person.
Modeled after the NFL’s high-energy, suspense-filled Draft Day, the Youth Apprenticeship “Signing Day” featured contract announcements, official signings between students and employers, photo ops, team swag, and the first steps to bright careers for these youth.
In its third year, this innovative program, coordinated by the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe Community College (MCC) with sponsorship from RG&E and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, is the exciting culmination of a competitive, multi-phased application and interview process that pairs qualified high school students with local manufacturing companies for related instruction, job shadowing, and paid co-ops. This year’s “Signing Day” event for Genesee Valley BOCES students was hosted at the Batavia Campus.
Developed by the RTMA and MCC, this unparalleled initiative was created to proactively address the increasing need for a well-trained labor supply in the manufacturing sector. “During the past two years, as the world continues to grapple with the effects of the pandemic, the manufacturing industry has swiftly and strategically responded, effectively providing essential supplies while keeping our economic engines running. This experience further underscores the growing resurgence of American Manufacturing in our region,” states Bob Coyne, Executive Director for the RTMA. “The former days of manufacturing are behind us and we are proud to usher in the next generation of talented students who will help lead the industry to a new era of technology, international competition, and manufacturing distinction.”
Thirteen manufacturers have stepped forward to serve as sponsors for Genesee Valley BOCES students. These companies include DP Tool, P. Tool & Die Co., Custom Services Solutions, Inc., Bonduelle USA Inc., Tambe, Oxbo, Turnbull HVAC, JAM Industries, JS Coating Solutions, Six Flags Darien Lake, Maris Systems Design, Cali Electric, and Meyer’s RV Superstore. The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program is supported by funding from RG&E and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
