Pictured (l to r): Joelle Washer, Dr. Tim Piazza, and Justin Hanft
Our very own Justin Hanft introduced Dr. Tim Piazza from Dream, Do It Chautauqua. Dr. Piazza also works for the Manufacturer’s Association of the Southern Tier (MAST).
Dr. Piazza’s presentation was focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Manufacturing) Workforce Development, which is focused on educating the next generation of workforce in advanced manufacturing.
STEM Workforce Development exists to the train the next generation by interacting with these students in secondary and post-secondary education.
It also involves training the incumbent workforce and serving as a manufacturing intermediary promoting various apprenticeship programs.
Manufacturing is the largest economic sector in Chautauqua County. 20% of county’s economic output and 18% of the work force is in manufacturing in Chautauqua County. Manufacturing truly matters in Chautauqua County and has a bigger footprint than healthcare and educational services.
Economic impact of Manufacturing in Chautauqua County:
- $5.1 billion in shipments
- $478 million in payroll plus benefits
Manufacturing Challenges:
- 260 manufacturing jobs are available today to backfill positions
- Projected to be 17,000 manufacturing jobs available in WNY by 2023
- There will be 3 million jobs to fill in the US by 2025
Manufacturing Job Opportunities:
- Production jobs: $40,000
- Welding: $45,000
- Maintenance Tech: $45,000
- CNC Operator: $48,000
Dr. Piazza also talked about the local educational opportunities for student who desire a career in manufacturing. Jamestown Community College extended the USA Scholarship into the technology programs as well which is a great idea. JCC is truly evolving as the needs change in our county.
Dr. Piazza also took some time to explain the Dream It Do It initiative. Dream It Do It Western New York is proactively responding to the workforce challenges faced by manufacturers. The Dream It Do It mission is to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering manufacturing careers. DIDIWNY is the catalyst organization of the Dream It Do It manufacturing career initiative with a vision to provide Allegany County, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara manufacturers with a labor force that has the skill and training levels required to meet their demands.
Manufacturing is a creative endeavor. Skilled workers take a piece of material and turn it into something else someone wants to buy.
Manufacturing is a creative endeavor. Skilled workers take a piece of material and turn it into something else someone wants to buy.
Dream It Do It also exists to change the perception about manufacturing jobs to area students to get them excited about STEM.
Some initiatives include:
- Educating students about manufacturing careers
- Getting professionals into the schools
- Getting students into local manufacturers for tours
- Getting students to the Manufacturing Training Institute to work on making parts
- Getting students to produce items – STEM Clubs, STEM Wars, Girls in Manufacturing, Fridays at MTI
STEM WARS 2020 is where Middle & High school students are invited to participate in a fun and educational event, which will feature Technology events, a local business and manufacturing career fair, and on-site team building/leadership skills competitions.
This is a small part of what Dream It Do It does!
For more information on the Dream It Do It program, please visit their web site: www.didiwny.com.