Innovative pre-apprenticeship program for
seamless pathways from K-12 system to high-tech careers initiated
in New York
ALBANY,
N.Y., May 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Amidst the
excitement of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day,
where students graduating from Capital Region BOCES CTE programs
are matched with employers across the Capital Region, the National
Institute for Innovation and Technology™ announced the launch of
its groundbreaking Gateway to Apprenticeship Program (GAP).
This announcement was made at the annual event hosted by the
Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES),
aligning with National Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day—a part of
Youth Apprenticeship Week—to underscore the Institute's role in
shaping the pathways that connect education to in-demand careers in
semiconductor and advanced manufacturing.
The CTE Signing Day event celebrates the commitment of young
learners to their professional futures, providing a perfect
backdrop for the introduction of the GAP initiative. The
Institute's program is strategically designed to bridge secondary
education and high-demand careers, preparing students in the K-12
system for high-value positions directly after high school, while
supporting their continued learning through community college
partnerships.
The Gateway to Apprenticeship Program (GAP) addresses the
critical need for skilled technicians in the growing sectors of
semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. By embedding robust
pre-apprenticeship training within high school CTE programs, GAP
ensures students throughout the K-12 system have the opportunity to
not only be ready for immediate employment but are also
well-prepared for future educational opportunities.
Capital Region BOCES worked with the Institute to develop and
launch the first GAP program at its CTE center, enabling future
graduates to transition directly from high school into full-time
employment while continuing training through Registered
Apprenticeships. With the support of Capital Region BOCES, GAP will
be scaled throughout upstate New
York and beyond.
"With today's launch of the Gateway to Apprenticeship Program,
we are celebrating the partnership—and leadership—of Capital Region
BOCES in developing an innovative approach to make CTE education a
'pre-apprenticeship at scale.' We are also celebrating these
students' commitment to their futures in what are critically
important industries, and we are doubling down on our promise to
equip them with the tools they need for success," stated the
Institute's President and CEO Mike
Russo. "GAP is a testament to our commitment to education
that meets economic needs, ensuring a seamless transition from
classroom to career."
This announcement also builds on the Institute's ongoing
collaboration with Capital Region BOCES, which includes last year's
crucial announcement of the Institute's first Career Opportunity
Hub in the Capital Region of New
York. The success of this partnership underscores the
efficacy of linking educational programs directly with industry
demands, providing a replicable model for other regions.
"Capital Region BOCES is proud to partner with the National
Institute for Innovation and Technology on the Gateway to
Apprenticeship Program. This initiative exemplifies the power of
collaboration between education and industry, creating direct
pathways for our students into high-demand, fulfilling careers. We
are committed to working collaboratively to expand this model,
ensuring more students across the Capital Region, New York State, and the nation have access to
these life-changing opportunities," said Jeff Palmer, Director of Career and Technical
Education for Capital Region BOCES.
"The launch of the nation's first Career Opportunity Hub in the
Capital Region is a huge win for our communities and will propel
our K-12 students to eventually enter the semiconductor workforce.
This innovative program will train the next generation of workers
by giving them the skills needed to succeed in semiconductor
careers – connecting more young people to the tens of thousands of
new, good-paying jobs being created for New Yorkers – while
ensuring our state has the workforce to be a major global hub for
semiconductor and manufacturing innovation," said Senator
Chuck Schumer. "It is all about
building a brighter future for America, Upstate and our children: I
led the Chips & Science Act to passage with opportunities like
this in mind, and now, we are ensuring our young students don't
just dream of careers in STEM but have a clear pathway to those
jobs as the scientists, engineers, manufacturers, and tech wizards
of the future. As we celebrate National Youth Apprenticeship Week
this week, this is just the kind of initiative we need more of to
utilize registered apprenticeship programs to prepare our young
people and workers for the new economy."
Initiated in New York and
spearheaded by the Institute and BOCES, GAP is set to expand
throughout the nation, aiming to redefine how educational systems
prepare students for the workforce across the United States.
To discover more about the GAP program and the Institute's other
crucial work around Registered Apprenticeships and workforce
development, visit www.niit.org.
About the National Institute for Innovation and
Technology™
The Institute is a 501(c)(3) with a mission to
identify roadblocks to innovation in strategic industry sectors,
those important to the U.S. national security and global
competitiveness, and ensure they are eliminated. The Institute is
responsible for a national strategy to support the development of
the talent pipeline required for the semiconductor Industry,
including advanced manufacturing and the tech sector.
The Institute's National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative
represents a comprehensive, nationally integrated approach that
enables broader participation by promoting skills-based learning
and hiring, connecting the public education system, returning
service members and their families and adults from other
occupations to related technician and engineering careers. For more
information about the Institute, visit www.niit.org.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-institute-for-innovation-and-technology-announces-groundbreaking-pre-apprenticeship-program-during-youth-apprenticeship-week-302142684.html
SOURCE National Institute for Innovation and Technology