Advance 2 Apprenticeship

Advance 2 Apprenticeship (A2A) is a pre-apprenticeship program employment initiative though the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities to improve access to apprenticeship programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) within the manufacturing industry. The project is a collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), Center for Workforce Development at Monroe 2–Orleans BOCES (CWD) and Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA). Myths about people with I/DD and a lack of understanding of how to support diverse learners commonly pervade education and employment environments. Myths like, low expectations, assumptions about stereotypical employment settings, and unemployment are by far the most common barriers to meaningful, competitive employment for people with I/DD across our nation.

Program Benefits

• Pre-apprenticeship classroom instruction hours will align with related instruction within a registered apprenticeship.
• Students will have supports available in and outside of the educational environment to support both learning and employment success.
• Explore the field of manufacturing while learning both soft and technical skills
• Graduates of Advance 2 Apprenticeship may have opportunity to earn a Certified Manufacturing Associate and the National Career Readiness Certificate.

After successful program completion, each student will have the opportunity to interview for manufacturing positions that may include:

• Production Operator/Assembler
• Machine Operator
• Inspection Technician
• Shipping/Receiving/Warehouse/Personnel
• Welder

Ready to Advance 2 Apprenticeship?

• Are you 18 years old or older?
• Are you comfortable with applied math and computers?
• Do you like working with your hands and creating things?
• Willing to learn to earn by participating in pre-apprenticeship courses?

Advance 2 Apprenticeship offers pre-apprenticeship courses in Manufacturing for people with and without disabilities who can benefit from additional supports to succeed.

• Programs utilize Universal Design and offer wrap around supports.
• Provide a barrier free career path to advanced manufacturing jobs
• Obtain Support to Develop New Skills for a Career in High-Wage In-Demand trades with Opportunities for Advancement!

Courses Offered

Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC)

• Basic Manufacturing: Learn applied mathematics, hand tool usage, safety, part tolerancing and CNC basics.

Center for Workforce Development (CWD)

• Machining: Learn to operate machine tools and set- up tools, such as milling machines, grinders, lathes, and drilling machines.
• Industrial Operator: Learn to set-up, operate, monitor, and control production equipment. Efficiently and safely manage materials.
• Welder: Learn to review blueprints, cut metal into the appropriate shapes, and smooth molten metal to remove creases. 

Our Partners