The Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI), MACNY, The Manufacturers Association’s talent development engine and a nonprofit dedicated to powering the advancement of manufacturing by connecting talent, training, and industry, is expanding its proven direct-entry pre-apprenticeship programs to Western New York with the launch of its first cohort in Buffalo.
The inaugural Real Life Rosies® cohort has begun at SUNY Erie North Campus, opening new pathways for women to pursue rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing. Participants will gain foundational manufacturing skills through hands-on training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and connect directly with career opportunities offered by local manufacturers.
Real Life Rosies is one of MTI’s proven direct-entry pre-apprenticeship programs designed to prepare individuals for meaningful, in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing. Through technical instruction, hands-on learning, employer engagement, and supportive services, participants build the skills, confidence, and industry connections needed to enter the workforce and pursue future career pathways, including New York State Registered Apprenticeship.
The expansion into Buffalo marks a significant milestone in MTI’s growing statewide effort to connect more New Yorkers with opportunity while helping manufacturers build the skilled talent pipelines they need to compete and grow. Through partnerships with regional organizations and education providers, including the Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA), Center for Economic Growth (CEG), and Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, MTI’s pre-apprenticeship programs are now creating pathways to manufacturing careers across Central New York, the Mohawk Valley, Rochester, the Capital Region, the Southern Tier, and Western New York.
“Real Life Rosies is a powerful example of how connecting people with opportunities creates individual pathways for career success while helping manufacturers build the skilled workforce they need to grow. Bringing this proven program to Western New York reflects MTI’s commitment to building stronger connections between people, training, and industry across New York and beyond,” said Michael Frame, Executive Director of MTI and Executive Vice President of MACNY.
MTI serves as the engine behind a continuum of proven workforce development programs designed to meet individuals and manufacturers at every stage of the talent journey. By connecting people to training, credentials, employment, and career advancement opportunities, MTI helps build the workforce manufacturers need to drive innovation, strengthen communities, and fuel industry growth.
To date, MTI’s Advance 2 Apprenticeship® and Real Life Rosies® pre-apprenticeship programs have supported more than 354 participants, achieving a 77% completion rate and a 72% employment rate. As the programs continue to expand across New York State, they are creating more accessible pathways into manufacturing and connecting employers with a broader pipeline of emerging talent.
The Buffalo launch is made possible through a strong collaboration among workforce, education, industry, and public-sector partners, including the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance and SUNY Erie. The programs are further strengthened through partnerships with BlueForge Alliance – Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) and with support from Empire State Development and the New York State Department of Labor and a $6.5 million Pay for Performance Operating Grant from Empire State Development to help MACNY scale the successful Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship programs to additional regions.
“Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York is making targeted investments in workforce development that expand opportunity and strengthen key industries across the state,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight. “Bringing the Real Life Rosies pre-apprenticeship program to Buffalo opens new doors for women to gain the hands-on skills, industry credentials, and direct employer connections needed to thrive in advanced manufacturing. This expansion creates accessible career pathways for New Yorkers while providing Western New York manufacturers with the skilled, diverse talent pipeline essential to driving long-term economic growth.”
“SUNY Erie is proud to be a partner in the Real Life Rosies program. As a community college, we strive to connect education and industry, creating pathways to meaningful and high-demand career opportunities for our students. With careers in manufacturing continuing to expand, we are excited to help introduce new pathways into this field and provide opportunities to increase the representation of women in the industry,” said SUNY Erie President Dr. Adiam Tsegai.
“At SUNY, we work to empower our students with experiential learning and opportunities for on-the-job training. SUNY is proud to partner with MACNY and employers across the state to scale registered apprenticeship and this transformative pre-apprenticeship program. As it expands to Western New York, Real Life Rosies will offer a model for instruction, engagement, and supportive services that provides a path to great jobs and sustained careers,” said SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.
“Every conversation we have with our members eventually comes back to talent. Western New York manufacturers have jobs to fill and growth plans that depend on filling them. Real Life Rosies gives employers a direct line to motivated, trained candidates who arrive with real skills and industry-recognized credentials, and we’re proud to help bring a program with this kind of track record to Buffalo,” said Peter Ahrens, Executive Director, Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance.
For more information about Real Life Rosies, Advance 2 Apprenticeship, and the Manufacturers Talent Institute, visit www.mfgtalent.org.