ROC With Your Hands showcases pathways into the trades and manufacturing careers

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Douglas Green and Jamie Perdue of Optimax look forward to local career exploration events like ROC With Your Hands—not only for the energy of the students but for the chance to spark interest in the trades. 

Optimax, based in Ontario, Wayne County, is the nation’s largest precision optics manufacturer, employing nearly 500 people. Yet, as Perdue notes, many young attendees at such events don’t realize the region’s global influence in optics. 

“A lot of them don’t know optics is a huge business in the region and a big career opportunity,” he said. 

Optimax was among more than 75 employers participating in the 4th annual ROC With Your Hands event, held Oct. 7 at the Rochester Community Sports Complex. The event drew about 1,500 students in grades seven through 12 from nearly 50 schools across Rochester, Monroe County and the Finger Lakes region. 

The region’s largest single-day career exploration event, ROC With Your Hands introduces students to opportunities in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, automotive technology, heavy equipment and related fields.  

It’s organized by the Rochester Technology & Manufacturing Association (RTMA) in partnership with the city of Rochester, Monroe County, Monroe Community College, RochesterWorks, UNiCON Rochester and the Builders Exchange. 

“The RTMA created ROC With Your Hands to show all high school students the great opportunities in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, heavy equipment, automotive technology and more,” RTMA Executive Director Bob Coyne said. 

The concept for the event grew out of discussions among local leaders, educators and employers involved in the RTMA’s Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program. It aligns with RTMA’s mission to promote manufacturing innovation and growth through collaboration among industry, academia and government. 

The city of Rochester and its Department of Recreation and Human Services have hosted the event since its inception. 

Many of the participating employers are return attendees, citing its value for workforce outreach. 

Brad Smith of Rochester-based Applied Image called ROC With Your Hands a valuable recruiting tool. 

Founded in 1978, Applied Image manufactures precision-imaged optical components and calibration standards for industries worldwide. The company works closely with East High’s Precision Optics program to help prepare students for optical manufacturing careers. 

“Many never knew about such manufacturing jobs,” Smith said. 

For Bergen-based Triple-O Heating, Cooling, Electrical & Plumbing, the event is a chance to connect with future technicians.  

The company, which has recently added about 25 employees amid statewide expansion, regularly recruits graduates from local high schools, BOCES programs and Monroe Community College, said Triple-O’s Brandon Mason.  

“We like to find young talent; they haven’t already been trained with bad habits,” he said. 

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