Workforce Development

Classrooms “On the Road” with Mobile Training Units

The College will bring education and training in manufacturing and healthcare directly to students and local employers through two mobile units. The College received funding from SUNY to procure two mobile units, “classrooms on wheels” that can travel to partner sites to conveniently provide on-site training for their workforce. The College has also initiated a funding campaign to develop support for operational expenses of both units. National Grid is the first industry partner to provide funding to support the advanced manufacturing unit with a generous donation of $25,000. Both units will consist of state-of-the-art classrooms that will seat 12 students, and will be self-powered, climate controlled, and Wi-Fi enabled. The Advanced Manufacturing unit will include an AutoCAD, 3D Printer, Mini-Lathe, Collaborative Robot, Amatrol Skill Boss, Lock Out/Tag Out, and computer workstations. The units will also have modular training equipment that can be swapped out to fit the need of the class being taught.

Diagram of the unit

Components of the mobile training classroom

Components of the mobile training classroom

College Developing Program To Create Cannabis Edibles

SUNY Schenectady is the lead institution in the CannaBusiness Education Hub, partnering with three area colleges — SUNY Adirondack, Columbia-Greene Community College, and Fulton-Montgomery Community College. The institutions will use $1 million in funding, part of the $5 million in awards made to SUNY and CUNY community colleges announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul. Funds will be divided evenly among the four campuses over the next three years, with each college focusing on different aspects of the cannabis industry. SUNY Schenectady is developing a program centered around the creation and marketing of cannabis edibles.

College Awarded $1 Million To Expand Apprenticeship Programs

SUNY Schenectady was awarded another $1 million through 2025 for apprenticeship programs, one of only 42 organizations across the state awarded funding through the Workforce Development Initiative Consolidated Funding Application grant. Apprenticeships provide a no-cost/low-cost way for those in the industry to expand their skills through hands-on training at their place of work and related instruction at the College. Under SUNY Apprenticeship funds, apprentices have $5,000 to support tuition and other related expenses (fees, books, equipment).

“I have definitely gained a lot of experience at ARC and the DSP Certificate at SUNY Schenectady and apprenticeship brought me to the next level. I learned more in-depth about different disabilities by taking the Psychology of Disabilities course and Human Services courses. I felt like there was a good partnership between ARC and SUNY Schenectady. There was a lot of support for us. They were our cheerleaders and they wanted us to succeed.”

Sarah Laird ’21, graduated with her Certificate in Direct Support Professional from the College and earned the DSP Apprenticeship Title. She is a Work Area Leader at Pine Ridge Industries, part of Schenectady ARC.

As Demand Grows for Healthcare Workers, Students Complete Trainings

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.6 million new jobs.”

SUNY Schenectady continues to respond to this increase by offering Allied Healthcare Trainings in: • Behavior Health Technician • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)/Personal Care Aide (PCA) • Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)/Personal Care Aide (PCA)/ Home Health Aide (HHA) • Community Health Workers (CHW) • Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Phlebotomy student Cassidy Film practices a venipuncture technique • Home Health Aide (HHA) on fellow student Ozlem Turan. • Medical Administrative Assistant (MAA) • Personal Care Aide (PCA) • Phlebotomy Certificate

From January 2022 to November 2022, 114 students completed trainings. Students completed training programs and then started careers in health care as a result. Other students were already in the field and received training that was supported by their employers to expand their skills in current healthcare positions.

SUNY Schenectady is now partnering with CareerStep to offer five new online classes: Dental Assistant, Hemodialysis Technician, Medical Scribe, Patient Care Technician, and Pharmacy Technician.

Phlebotomy student Cassidy Film practices a venipuncture technique on fellow student Ozlem Turan.

New Apprenticeship Title for Craft Beer Brewers

The Workforce Development and Community Education Division created a new Brewer/Distiller Apprenticeship title aimed at bringing new employees to the brewing industry. It was developed in partnership with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), industry experts, and instructors in the College’s non-credit brewing courses.

Breweries across the state can register directly with the Department of Labor to become a sponsor for an apprentice or can register with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) who can act as a group sponsor and assist with the development and implementation of the apprenticeship title.

New Partnership for Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Employment Pilot Program for Persons with Disabilities

Sarah Wilson-Sparrow, Vice President for Workforce Development and Community Education; Michael Santabarbara; John Robinson, CEO of Our Ability, Inc.; Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara; Dr. Steady Moono; and Richard Ruzzo, Schenectady County Legislator

The College announced a new partnership with Our Ability, Inc., a disability owned and operated business in Albany that builds employment opportunities through job platforms, employment webinars, a digital profile system, and personal empowerment. Funding for the Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Employment Pilot Program for Persons with Disabilities, $150,000 included in the New York State budget, was secured through the efforts of New York State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara. Students will take courses, at no cost to them, in one of two tracks: Entrepreneurship or Employment. As part of the Entrepreneurship track, students will take courses that are part of the College’s Entrepreneurship Certificate program.