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October 14, 2020Capital Region BOCES-business Partnership Addresses National Manufacturer Worker Shortage
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were 500,000 manufacturing jobs open in the U.S., according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) and that number is only expected to increase as the nation’s economy recovers according to the trade organization.
“We’re going to have a need very quickly to ramp up on hiring in those facilities that may have been shut down during the crisis or that need to expand operations,” NAM president and CEO Jay Timmons is quoted by the Market Watch publication as saying during a recent press conference.
A combination of an aging and retiring workforce and a growing demand for products to be manufactured inside the U.S. is leading to the increasing demand, which industry analysts predict will have a detrimental impact on the U.S. economy.
Capital Region BOCES has been working hard in recent years with area manufacturers to help address the shortfall, placing students in the Manufacturing and Machining Technology program into work-based learning opportunities and arranging for full-time jobs for them upon graduation.
“Anytime I can meet a young kid interested in manufacturing … it’s fantastic,” said Tony Leone of Schenectady Manufacturer Package One Industries.
The two-year BOCES Manufacturing program teaches students about the design and prototype skills, as well as how to troubleshoot design problems, as well as undertake the diagnostics necessary to manufacture a part.
Class of 2019 graduate Brett Margiasso of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk launched a career in the industry even before crossing the stage to collect his diploma.
Margiasso started work as a junior at TCI of NY through Capital Region BOCES’ work-based learning program and was offered full-time employment upon graduation.
“Brett has been doing an outstanding job. He comes to work enthusiastically and with a strong work ethic. We look forward to him becoming a strong member of the TCI team,” said Brian Hemlock, president of TCI of NY.
TCI processes, recycles and repairs of transformers and other oil-filled electrical equipment, as well as processes and re-uses electrical oils.
“It’s been an awesome opportunity to get out into the workforce and learn a skill and make connections,” Margiasso said.
TCI and Package One are two of more than 300 business partners Capital Region BOCES relies on to boost the educational experience of students.
Business partners do everything from offered work-based learning opportunities to guest lecture and advise faculty on the latest industry trends.
“These partnerships are critical because they allow us to stay on top of what is going on in the industries, as well as help us to place students in good jobs and they also allow us to help grow the regional economy and overcome national trends – like the manufacturing industry worker shortage,” said Nancy Liddle, business liaison for Capital Region BOCES.
Capital Region BOCES Senior Jonah McIntire of Cobleskill-Richmondville said he is drawn to manufacturing because of the creativity it fosters.
“I like the fact that you learn how to make stuff and you can be creative. I like working with the CNC machine – you can basically do anything you want with it as long as you use your mind and your skill,” he said.
Fellow Senior Hunter Cole not only appreciates the creativity manufacturing affords, but also the opportunities.
“I like working and learning skills that open the doors to so many opportunities for me,” he said.
