The Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) hosted its annual Signing Day ceremony in Rochester on Wednesday, where students from schools across Monroe County began their youth apprenticeship job shadows and paid co-ops at nearly 30 advanced manufacturing companies.
The program was created by the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association and Monroe Community College, and has seen consistent growth over the last few years. Rich Turner, Director of Workforce Development in Rochester, said that half of the students signed on Wednesday were from the city of Rochester School District and charter schools.
“We’re seeing a lot of growth in our at-need community, and it’s a lot of opportunities for young people,” Turner added.
The youth apprenticeship program provides students with the skills they need to get jobs straight out of high school. By participating in job shadows and paid co-ops, students are given the chance to learn about the manufacturing industry and develop their skills in a real-world setting. These apprenticeships provide students with hands-on experience, as well as opportunities to network with professionals in the field.
FLYAP’s Signing Day ceremony is an important event for both students and companies involved in the program. It marks the beginning of a new phase in their partnership and highlights the importance of investing in the next generation of workers.
The next FLYAP Signing Day ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, March 9 at Genesee Community College in Batavia. With the success of the program and the growth seen in the past few years, it is expected that the upcoming ceremony will be a significant event for students and companies alike.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].