Mold-making program honors first female apprentice

The first female to complete the Monroe Manufactures Jobs Mold-Making Program was honored this week at a ceremony that touted her as likely the only female mold-maker apprentice statewide.

Niayah Blair graduated from Monroe Community College in 2017 and has spent the last year participating in the apprentice program through ROMOLD Inc. The Monroe Manufactures Jobs program connects graduates of local institutions like MCC with local manufacturing companies by providing both the employer and employee a $1,500 bonus. The company must be headquartered in Monroe County and retain the employee for a full year.

“Manufacturing supports over 55,000 local jobs, yet in today’s growing economy there’s one thing I hear over and over again: local manufacturers have good-paying jobs open, but they need help finding employees with the right skills to get the jobs done,” Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo said. “That’s where our workforce development programs like Monroe Manufactures Jobs come in.”

ROMOLD was established in 1997 by Lou Romano. The company manufactures plastic injection molds, die cast molds and related components. The manufacturer has an 11,500-square-foot facility in Gates.

“Monroe County is to be applauded for the support and recognition of local manufacturing,” Romano said. “The Monroe Manufactures Jobs program has all participants playing vital roles. The apprentice must work and accumulate academic requirements, the sponsoring company provides on-the-job training and mentorship, Monroe Community College provides vital curriculum and Monroe County provides the support and incentive to stay the course.”

Added Blair: “I am very proud of my work so far as an apprentice mold maker with ROMOLD and I am especially proud to show other women that achieving a career in manufacturing is possible. It was encouraging to know that upon graduating from MCC I had a job waiting for me.”

ROMOLD has the longest active mold-maker apprentice program with the Department of Labor in New York State, officials noted.

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