The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association and Monroe Community College are celebrating the second graduating class of their Advance 2 Apprenticeship Pre-Apprenticeship Program, held at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center in Rochester.
Twelve participants completed the four-week, 72-hour training program, earning the Certified Manufacturing Associate credential through Tooling U-SME, along with OSHA-10 certification, soft skills instruction, and work readiness training designed to prepare them for careers in manufacturing.
Program leaders said the latest cohort showed strong engagement and performance throughout the classroom and hands-on portions of the course. Five of the graduates are women, a milestone organizers say supports regional efforts to expand opportunities for women in advanced manufacturing.
Officials at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center said the partnership with RTMA helps connect students directly with in-demand technical skills, including training with collaborative automation equipment. They noted that demand for skilled automation technicians continues to grow as smart manufacturing expands across the region.
The A2A program provides employability training, hands-on experience, and guaranteed job interviews with local manufacturers. Participants also tour area companies and receive support to help remove barriers to completion, including assistance with childcare, transportation, equipment, clothing, and work gear, along with milestone stipends.
Additional cohorts are planned for the spring and fall of 2026.
