A successful program providing paid pathways for in-demand construction and manufacturing careers has opened student and employer registration for its upcoming session.

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp will launch July 6 with hands-on training and paid co-ops in welding or mechanical, electrical and electronic technologies available.

The bootcamp program's schedule includes free classroom instruction held at Genesee Valley BOCES in Batavia and paid on-the-job experiences at held at co-op employers. The welding program runs six weeks, and the mechanical, electrical and electronic technologies program runs seven weeks.

“Students completing the pre-apprenticeship program this summer will be prepared for the in-demand careers across our community,” said Chris Suozzi, Executive Vice President of Business and Workforce Development at the Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC). “And they will take on no debt as the earn and learn real world skills.”

The program supports a registered apprenticeship. Students graduate with 96 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of paid on-the-job training.

The Genesee Valley Pre-Apprenticeship Bootcamp is supported by the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association, Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program, Genesee Community College, Genesee Valley BOCES, and the GCEDC.

Over 45 students have completed the program since 2021.

“RTMA is dedicated to building the future of manufacturing—bringing value to our members by inspiring and training the next generation,” said Keri Martin, RTMA Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator. “Through programs like our Manufacturing Boot Camp, we engage and empower youth while strengthening the workforce pipeline to support industry growth and sustain tomorrow’s manufacturing workforce as experienced professionals retire."

Student registration is available at https://www.rtma.org/genesee-valley-bootcamp-application.

Contact Keri Martin, RTMA Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, at [email protected] for more information.