Apprenticeship Model

Provides four years of classroom instruction and on-the-job training for individuals in the insulating trade.

Funds lean manufacturing and manufacturing assistance projects through matching grants aimed at reducing waste and increasing productivity in shop floor and office operations.

Operates a no-cost workforce training pipeline to prepare local jobseekers for careers in advanced manufacturing and technology, including technical training in machining, automation, and welding, and facilitates employer access to students and graduates through internships, co-ops, and job placement partnerships.

Offers structured training programs including a 12-week CNC basics course, a 23-week night machining course, and a 72-hour Industrial Automation course covering PLC and robotics fundamentals to prepare adults for careers in advanced manufacturing.

Designs, manufactures, and supplies custom-engineered industrial equipment such as hammer mills, crushers, shredders, and pellet mills for material processing; has installed equipment in over 17,000 locations globally and provides complimentary size reduction testing to support customer selection.

Provides members with access to the latest industry trends, continuous improvement opportunities, and benchmarking ideas through networking events and information exchange, including monthly forums featuring expert speakers.

Hosts webinars to educate manufacturers on upcoming changes to ISO 9001 and AS9100 certification, assess readiness, and explore business benefits; also offers sessions on AI strategy and practical implementation in collaboration with HeronAI.

Maintains and operates an online directory to connect manufacturing companies based on capability, process, industry, certifications, and location, facilitating supply chain collaboration and business development in the Buffalo-Niagara region.

Produces monthly recaps highlighting workforce development progress, supply-chain collaborations, new member achievements, and upcoming events within the Buffalo-Niagara manufacturing ecosystem.

Offers candidate screening services to employers hiring for manufacturing roles and provides pre-screened local candidates as part of a workforce development pipeline, facilitating direct connections between trained jobseekers and employers.

Represents 186 member organizations across more than 50 manufacturing-related sectors and over a dozen B2B support services, serving as a collective voice and collaborative network for the Buffalo-Niagara manufacturing sector.

Provides members with access to qualified candidates and upskilling programs to meet workforce needs, supports employee retention and productivity through on-the-job training reimbursements, and offers guidance on accessing reimbursement programs including documentation and local contacts.

Provides nationally recognized certification programs in composites and advanced manufacturing to support career progression and workforce readiness.

Offers workshops and training programs, including a 90-minute offshore wind careers workshop and a 5-day clean energy and drone design program, featuring hands-on experiments, guest speakers, and exposure to job opportunities and paid apprenticeships in renewable energy sectors.

Offers hands-on training programs such as the 2-day Introduction to Composites course and the Basic Composite Technician Training Program, which combine lecture and practical skills to prepare students and adults for careers in composites manufacturing. Successful course completion provides one full college credit.

Organizes and participates in STEM-focused events such as the Annual Long Island STEM Expo, Manufacturing Day at the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Intergenerational Green Jobs Summit to promote career pathways in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

Operates the FutureReady renewable energy training program in partnership with New York Power Authority and Local Content, delivering at least seven cohorts at the NYCHA Van Dyke Community Center in Brooklyn.

Offers career advisement, job market preparation, and pathways to employment or further education for unemployed and employed workers through resume building, interview training, and job search tools, supporting advancement in advanced manufacturing and clean energy sectors.