The apprenticeship program has attracted a diverse applicant pool in the region, ranging from recent high school graduates to those looking to change careers, as well as reaching candidates from underrepresented populations.
GF launched a first-of-its kind apprenticeship program for the semiconductor manufacturing industry. To create this Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program, GF partnered with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG), Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC), the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), and the National Institute for Innovation and Technology (NIIT). CEG is part of the New York MEP and the MEP National Network™.
In January 2021, GF began internally registering employees in the Industry Approved Apprenticeship Program (IAAP), and the program was later opened to non-employees. Program apprentices undergo 2,700 hours of paid on-the-job training over about 16 to 24 months, with all work hours counting towards that goal. They also receive related instruction from HVCC through online courses as well as in-person lab work at the HVCC North Campus in Malta, near the GF facility.
CEG serves as a group sponsor for this New York State registered apprenticeship. That means CEG works as an intermediary with the New York State Department of Labor on behalf of GF and the apprenticeship program. Workforce Development Director Christine McLear manages the program’s records and reporting and coordinating required coursework. The apprenticeship program has provided GF with assistance monetarily through the SUNY Apprenticeship Program (SAP), New York Colleges Apprenticeship Network (NYCAN), and the Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG 2) to help support the related instruction needs of apprentices at their companies.