Unemployed workers in the Buffalo-Niagara region are preparing for careers in manufacturing thanks to a grant from the New York State Department of Labor. The Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) at the University of Buffalo is offering an Advanced Manufacturing Quality Specialist (AMQS) certificate program to prepare workers for entry-level and mid-level positions.
Launched in late March, the 120-hour AMQS program covers mechanical attributes, lean manufacturing, and ISO standards. Students also tour local manufacturing facilities and receive professional assistance with creating a resume, conducting a job search, and preparing for an interview. Several TCIE clients who have benefited from UB’s manufacturing expertise have agreed to interview AMQS graduates for open positions.
Graduates of this training program aren’t the only ones who will benefit. According to the Buffalo Billion Investment Development Plan, local companies are concerned that “the Buffalo Niagara region’s under-supply of skilled manufacturing talent is impeding productivity and growth potential.” By training workers to become production technicians and quality inspectors, UB TCIE hopes to help fill the skills gap.
The shortage of qualified manufacturing workers isn’t a problem that’s unique to Buffalo, and other parts of New York State will surely monitor the AMQS program with interest. What training programs across the Empire State have been the most successful, and which ones would like to see implemented where you work and live?
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