Bright Futures for region’s high school graduates

More than fifty Westchester educators are literally “getting on the bus” to learn about career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing and Energy and Utility Employment in New York’s Lower Hudson Valley on Tuesday, October 29. They will hear first-hand from industry partners including Safe Flight Instrument Corporation (White Plains), Magnetic Analysis Corporation (Elmsford), and Con Edison (Rye) about the many opportunities in these fields. The educators will then share what they have learned with the region’s high school students and parents.

The project represents a partnership between the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), Westchester Community College, Council of Industry (CI), Southern Westchester BOCES, and Westchester County Youth Bureau. There are over 29,000 employees in the energy sector and 14,000 in manufacturing in Westchester and Putnam, but unless students have someone who actively connects them to these industries – they may never learn about these careers.

The Educators Bus Tour is aimed at changing that by ensuring high school educators gain first-hand knowledge – and education, apprenticeship, and industry contacts — that they can in turn share with students, parents, and educators back in their districts.

“The region’s manufacturers are looking for innovative, hard-working employees at all levels – Production Workers, Machinist/Mechanical Technicians, and Mechanical Engineers to fill anticipated vacancies as 25% of the region’s manufacturing employees are 55 and older,” notes Harold King, President of The Council of Industry, the region’s manufacturer’s association. Similarly, the energy and utility sector is projected to have 9% employment growth between 2019 and 2029, and looking for talented, technical, service-oriented workers for positions as General Utility Worker, Electrical Technician, and Management Associate.

“Employees in these industries share similar technical skill sets. These skills are critical to the economic vitality of the region and represent rewarding career paths that the rest of society depends on,” says Westchester Community College President Belinda S. Miles.

“The Lower Hudson Valley is particularly fortunate to have a range of ways that interested parties can “get on the bus” to great career in manufacturing or the energy/utility industries, “says Ed Murphy, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Institute, which was instrumental in bringing the group together.

Programs of note include:

• Westchester Community College offers workforce training, certificates and associate degrees in mechanical, electrical and civil technologies as well as related degrees with multiple entry/exit points to start a career, upskill, or work towards a bachelors degree in engineering
• The Council of Industry is the starting place for apprenticeships in manufacturing that pairs hands-on apprenticeship learning with earning a certificate, degree or other workforce credential, as well as a wide range of continuing education and leadership programs for the industry
• Southern Westchester BOCES offers education training programs geared toward workforce preparation, industry recognized certification and pathways to post-secondary education and training through the Center for Career Services and the Center for Adult and Community Services
• Workforce Development Institute is a key workforce partner for both manufacturing and energy sectors in the region and in New York State

Interesting Facts

• Putnam and Westchester are home to an estimated 680 manufacturing firms and serves the aerospace, biotech, electronics, and chemical/pharmaceutical sectors along with dozens of other specialties.
• Putnam and Westchester manufacturers generate over $50 billion in annual earnings.
• Energy careers have multiple entry points at all levels of education.
• Our region has a wide range of energy systems in place – electrical, gas, steam and solar – to generate and distribute energy.

Members of the media are invited to attend this event.

About Westchester Community College

Westchester Community College provides over 31,000 full-time and part-time students with an education taught by award-winning faculty at one of the most affordable tuition rates in New York State. WCC offers more than 60 degree and certificate programs, including innovative programs in such high-demand fields as cybersecurity, health information technology, respiratory therapy, and digital filmmaking. The college reflects the rich diversity of its region and was the first SUNY campus to be designated a Hispanic Serving Institution.

Westchester Community College Foundation

Since its founding in 1969, Westchester Community College Foundation (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization) has raised funds to meet college and student needs not covered by public funds, distributing over $2 million in scholarships annually. Through its fundraising and programmatic activities, the Foundation supports the college’s efforts to provide access to quality education and skills for success.