The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Center for Workforce Development (CWD) celebrated the first-ever graduation of the Real Life Rosies Pre-Apprenticeship Program this week. Fourteen participants completed the six-week, 72-hour training program, which included earning the Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential through Tooling U-SME.
“BOCES 2 CWD is thrilled to have collaborated with RTMA and hosted the partnership’s first Real Life Rosies cohort,” said BOCES 2 CWD Director Shawna Gareau-Kurtz. “Watching adult students take their first steps into manufacturing careers has been a point of pride for CWD staff members. Whether these skilled females apply their talents in the workforce, while pursuing an apprenticeship, or toward additional education, CWD is grateful to have been their first step into the advanced manufacturing industry.”
The Real Life Rosies program supports women pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing through free pre-apprenticeship training. Participants received employability skill development, hands-on training, and guaranteed job interviews with local companies. Graduates also earned the ACT WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate, OSHA-10 certification, and toured several advanced manufacturing companies in the greater Rochester area.
“The RTMA is proud to partner with the BOCES 2 Center for Workforce Development to bring Real Life Rosies to the greater Rochester region,” said Rich Turner, RTMA Director of Workforce Development. “By providing classroom and hands-on training, behind-the-scenes facility tours, job interviews with local advanced manufacturing companies, and job readiness skills, we are preparing these ‘Rosies’ with everything they need to have a long, successful career in one of the region’s largest industries.”
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