AAI of WNY: 6 Years of Growing Apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing

Since 2015, the American Apprenticeship Initiative of WNY (AAI) has created partnerships with manufacturing companies in 8 counties across Western New York. By providing federal grant funding and technical assistance, AAI has impacted the region’s workforce, assisting employers in attracting and retaining apprentices in numerous trades so they can begin to fill the gap of retirees exiting the field. 

Over 6 years, AAI has successfully partnered with 28 employers and 1 intermediary partner. The Rochester Technology Manufacturing Association (RTMA), our intermediary partner,  has 25 signatory employers. The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County also received a grant from the Workforce Development Institute (WDI) to purchase tools and supplies for each apprentice. In total, 50 employer partners have utilized AAI and WDI funds to support 330 apprentices for related technical instruction, tools, books and supplies. By providing assistance to employers, AAI is part of the puzzle that is working toward creating and building apprenticeship programs in order to develop talent in the jobs that are imperative to our manufacturing sector.