Recently, two local employers, Cryomech and Thompson & Johnson, hosted P-TECH sophomores, took them on tours of their worksites, and shared their insights about jobs they’re looking to fill. These important industry visits invite students to understand what these manufacturers do and to envision themselves as possible candidates for employment when they complete the P-TECH program and graduate with their associate’s degrees.

Cryomech helped shape the field of cryogenics (not to be confused with cryonics; the students learned that is the deep-freezing one’s body and is not a proven science). Their Gifford-McMahon and Pulse Tube cryocoolers are the backbone of the low temperature research industry. End users include medical, agricultural, energy, quantum computing, and scientific markets both locally and across the globe.

Students were amazed to learn that Cryomech’s innovations are utilized by a wide variety of people from astronomers studying our universe to researchers working at the farthest reaches of the South Pole. Cryomech has been crucial in pushing cryogenic technology to enable new types of research as well as opening up new markets that were not available before. Many more of Cryomech’s solutions end up in medical applications, such as MRI machines and in labs.

These students, considering which career pathway (mechanical or electrical) to follow, noted that Cryomech hires machinists, assemblers, technicians, and much more.

Thompson & Johnson, in operation since 1954, boasts four CNY locations and an emphasis on a “family” environment. Among many other awards, Thompson & Johnson was recognized as one of the 10 Best Places to Work in CNY.
T&J sells and repairs all types of material handling equipment that is used in manufacturing, distribution and warehouse facilities across Central New York. During a Q&A session, the P-TECH students learned about the company’s competitive pay, great benefits, tool allowances and their support for local charities. Reflecting on their visit, students noted that these were the features they liked best: the “family” culture and the spirit of generosity toward the community.