The U.S. Department of Labor has presented the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County with a $2.9 million grant to grow apprenticeship programs in Western New York, something local labor and government leaders say is important as manufacturing makes a comeback in the United States.
The grant will allow the creation of a program known as the American Apprenticeship Initiative of Western New York, which will involve numerous public and private partners.
"Through this particular grant we will expand and create registered apprenticeships and programming that will be focused on advanced manufacturing industries," said Michael Weiner, president and CEO of the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. "These programs will strengthen career pathways and increase job opportunities, particularly among underrepresented populations including young people, women, minorities, low-skilled individuals, persons with disabilities and immigrants and refugees."
Within the next five years, up to 300 registered apprenticeships are expected to be created through this initative.
The grant was announced inside the offices of United Auto Workers District 9 in Amherst. Labor unions will be among the many public and private partners under the AAI.
"Western New York's getting it right," said Terry Dittes, District 9 director. "They're putting $2.9 million into current facilities who do actually manufacture and create great jobs. That's where the standard of living is raised. With all due respect, service jobs would never pay as much as manufacturing. They never have, and they never will."
Weiner estimated average starting salaries for workers trained through apprenticeships at around $50,000 per year.
Other partners taking part in the initiative include workforce development groups, educational institutions including Erie Community College, businesses including Ford Motor Company's Buffalo Stamping Plant and SolarCity, and numerous non-profit human service providers.
