ALBANY, N.Y., USA, May 2024 — Amidst the excitement of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day, the National Institute for Innovation and Technology™ announced the launch of its innovative Gateway to Apprenticeship Program (GAP). This significant announcement was made during the annual event hosted by the Capital Region Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), aligning with National Youth Apprenticeship Signing Day—a part of Youth Apprenticeship Week—to highlight the Institute’s role in bridging education to in-demand careers in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing.
The CTE Signing Day event, celebrated at the Capital Region BOCES, showcases the commitment of young learners to their professional futures, making it an ideal setting for the debut of the GAP initiative. The program is meticulously crafted to connect secondary education with high-demand careers, prepping students in the K-12 system for valuable positions right after high school, while supporting their continued education through community college partnerships.
The Gateway to Apprenticeship Program addresses the urgent need for skilled technicians in the burgeoning sectors of semiconductor and advanced manufacturing. By integrating substantial pre-apprenticeship training within high school CTE programs, GAP ensures that students are not only ready for immediate employment but also well-prepared for future academic endeavors.
Capital Region BOCES has collaborated with the Institute to pioneer the first GAP program at its CTE center, which allows future graduates to move seamlessly from high school into full-time employment, continuing their education through Registered Apprenticeships. With the backing of Capital Region BOCES, the program is set to expand throughout upstate New York and further.
“With today’s launch of the Gateway to Apprenticeship Program, we are celebrating the partnership—and leadership—of Capital Region BOCES in developing an innovative approach to make CTE education a ‘pre-apprenticeship at scale.’ We are also celebrating these students’ commitment to their futures in what are critically important industries, and we are doubling down on our promise to equip them with the tools they need for success,” said Mike Russo, President and CEO of the Institute.
This initiative also continues to build on the Institute’s ongoing collaboration with Capital Region BOCES, which includes the prior announcement of the Institute’s first Career Opportunity Hub in the Capital Region of New York. This successful partnership exemplifies the effectiveness of directly linking educational programs with industry demands, providing a model that can be replicated in other regions.
“Capital Region BOCES is proud to partner with the National Institute for Innovation and Technology on the Gateway to Apprenticeship Program. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between education and industry, creating direct pathways for our students into high-demand, fulfilling careers. We are committed to working collaboratively to expand this model, ensuring more students across the Capital Region, New York State, and the nation have access to these life-changing opportunities,” stated Jeff Palmer, Director of Career and Technical Education for Capital Region BOCES.
“The launch of the nation’s first Career Opportunity Hub in the Capital Region is a huge win for our communities and will propel our K-12 students to eventually enter the semiconductor workforce. This innovative program will train the next generation of workers by giving them the skills needed to succeed in semiconductor careers – connecting more young people to the tens of thousands of new, good-paying jobs being created for New Yorkers – while ensuring our state has the workforce to be a major global hub for semiconductor and manufacturing innovation,” said Senator Chuck Schumer.
About the National Institute for Innovation and Technology™:
The National Institute for Innovation and Technology is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to eliminating roadblocks to innovation in sectors critical to U.S. national security and global competitiveness. The Institute is at the forefront of developing the national strategy to enhance the talent pipeline necessary for the semiconductor industry, including advanced manufacturing and the tech sector, through its National Talent Pipeline Development Initiative.
Read Also : Imagination in a Disrupted Age: Navigating the Future with Curiosity and Empathy
