Tag: applied technology

Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center to host free open house Saturday 

Community members across the Finger Lakes region will have opportunities this weekend to walk through the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center for a look at Industry 4.0 technologies that drive the future of work within high-demand career fields, such as information technology and advanced manufacturing. 

Finger Lakes Forward Center to host open house
One of the FWD Center simulation labs features robotics equipment that prepares learners to begin careers in growing fields. (photo credit: FWD Center)

An open house for the center will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. this Saturday. The event is open to all community members, from high school and college students to working parents, military veterans and individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. 

The open house features self-guided tours and equipment demonstrations.

Community members can learn about career exploration and counseling services, job-placement assistance, short-term training programs for technology-oriented careers, work-based learning opportunities and tuition assistance options available.  

Some of the features of the FWD Center, located within Monroe Community College’s Downtown Campus on 321 State St., include: 

  • A Smart Factory that simulates a production system in the advanced manufacturing workplace;
  • A 25,000-square-foot, flame-resistant lab display that supports skilled trades training;
  • Simulation labs that allow for real-world scenarios involving robotics, mechatronics, augmented reality/virtual reality and automation, and
  • New courses and programs, including in networking and data analytics, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. 

Individuals interested in attending the FWD Center open house can register online at www.FWD-Center.com/RSVP. 

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021 

Applied Technology Center approved for MCC’s Brighton campus

An Applied Technology Center will be built on the Brighton campus of Monroe Community College (photo courtesy of Monroe County).

Construction of an Applied Technologies Center (ATC) on the Monroe Community College Brighton campus has been approved, meaning students will have enhanced opportunities to train for high-demand, skilled-trades jobs and integrate with other STEM programs.

The Monroe County Legislature on Tuesday night approved $35 million in funding for the building, which will replace what county officials say is an outdated building on West Henrietta Road. The new facility will connect ATC students with the college’s existing science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.

“The four pillars of building Monroe County’s future are public safety, public health, economic/workforce development and infrastructure,” County Executive Adam Bello said in a news release. “The new ATC facility builds on our country’s ongoing efforts to train people for high-demand jobs such as automotive technician, precision tooling, heating, ventilating and air conditioning technician and solar panel technician.”

The new programs are intended to help fill the void in the trades industries, where a shortage of skilled workers continues to grow as the current workforce ages out and fewer workers enter the fields.

“Skilled trades workers are in short supply, our economy needs them and companies are willing to pay good money for them,” Bello said. “This new center will give students practical hands-0n training and help accelerate the availability of workers our economy needs to thrive.”

The legislature gave unanimous approval to the proposal and authorized the county to enter into a contract with the state Dormitory Authority to purchase fixtures and equipment. The State University of New York will reimburse the county for half of all project costs.

“Thanks to Monroe County’s investment in technological innovation, education and training, more Monroe Community College students will have opportunities to learn in simulated, real-world environments and earn industry-recognized credentials in high-demand career fields,” MCC president DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna said. “MCC is grateful for the Monroe County Legislature’s and Monroe County Executive Bello’s support of our shared focus on lifting up residents across all ZIP codes and bolstering
our local economy.”

[email protected]/(585) 653-4020