By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
CNY’s manufacturers need skilled workers — pronto. CNYers need work but may lack knowledge of manufacturing and the skills to perform the work.
That’s where Amanda Wilson comes in.
As MACNY’s newest workforce development specialist hired in March, Wilson occupies a newly created position among the organization’s now seven specialists. Her job is to help cultivate the area’s skilled manufacturing workforce.
“It’s a good position if you like problem-solving,” said Amy Stage, director of apprenticeship and workforce development.
The problems Wilson solves include how to develop the local community’s talent pipeline and foster connections between manufacturers and educational organizations.
“Based on MACNY’s mission to be the voice and business solution leader for manufacturing in Upstate and CNY and Amanda’s work previously maintaining relationships with community partners and businesses, we knew she would be a good fit for MACNY,” Stage said.
MACNY’s community partners include local high schools, refugee organizations and workforce development boards. These organizations work synergistically to create a means for job seekers to gain the education they need to fill local manufacturing positions.
“I really enjoy cultivating relationships,” Wilson said. “It’s something I enjoyed when working in the nonprofit space. I’m excited to provide companies with solutions to workforce challenges.”
One of her projects is the Real Life Rosies, which will help more women see themselves in a manufacturing career. Women account for half the US workforce, yet only 29% of manufacturing roles, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“She provides recruitment and support resources to participants to ensure they have a high rate of completion,” Stage said. “She coordinates tours with employers and interviews with manufacturers. Real Life Rosies is the first Department of Labor-approved direct entry pre-apprenticeship program for manufacturing.”
The pre-apprenticeship programs differ from standard apprenticeship programs in that an individual does not have to be employed by the company offering the program to participate. Stage said that pre-apprenticeship programs focus on under-represented populations — women, in the case of Real Life Rosies — to bridge the gap between career seekers and manufacturers who need skilled workers.
“It allows an individual to explore an opportunity they may not have considered,” Stage said. “Many go on company tours and receive interviews upon completion. They get to learn about what they’ll be doing and get a foot in the door. It is direct access to employers.”
Typically, companies hire them for employment and after a probationary period, they are willing to put them into an apprenticeship program.
“Not all manufacturing opportunities are dark, dirty and dangerous,” Stage said.
Wilson, who grew up near Buffalo, has always had familiarity with manufacturing as her father worked in the industry his entire career. She graduated in 2010 from Cazenovia College with a degree in interior design.
“I’ve always had a passion and commitment to helping others,” Wilson said. “I wanted to continue helping people, helping them be successful.”
Wilson lives in Cazenovia. She and her husband have two children and enjoy spending time together outdoors.
More than 300 businesses across CNY and Upstate New York belong to Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), a nonprofit 501(c)(6) association.
