For Release:          Immediate – January 30, 2018

Contact:                 Steve Ference, Director of University Communications

                        (518) 956-7319 | sference@sunypoly.edu

Soldiers Graduate from SUNY Poly Northeast Advanced Technology Education Center’s Advanced Manufacturing Technician Training

Program works with Fort Drum initiative to provide critical technical skills to
assist soldiers with obtaining quality jobs as they transition to civilian life

ALBANY, NY – SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly), in partnership with SUNY Poly’s Northeast Advanced Technological Education Center (NEATEC), as well as Jefferson Community College (JCC), Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), and Fort Drum’s Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program announced the completion of a 56 hour hands-on training program for ten Fort Drum soldiers. The goal of this National Science Foundation-funded project is to provide marketable, in-demand skills to transitioning soldiers and connect them to New York State’s advanced manufacturers.

SUNY Chancellor Johnson said, “I am grateful to honor the first class of graduates of the Advanced Manufacturing Training program, which will create strong partnerships with local organizations and provide technical training to our veterans, as well as prepare them for jobs in an industry with a strong future in New York State. This program would not have been possible without the financial support and partnership of Trustee Ambassador Spielvogel, and the collaboration of Jefferson Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, and SUNY Poly. We are proud to celebrate our first graduating class as we thank them for their service to our country.”

“We are proud that SUNY Poly and NEATEC, in collaboration with our educational and governmental partners, are once again supporting the attainment of technical skills that can provide a bridge for soldiers as they transition into civilian life, paving the way for job interviews and opportunities that will allow these soldiers to positively leverage their military experience and skillset to obtain important jobs that are in-demand throughout the region,” said Dr. Bahgat Sammakia, Interim President of SUNY Polytechnic Institute, who was also in attendance at the graduation. “In partnership with JCC, MVCC, and Fort Drum’s Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program, SUNY Poly is thrilled to support this important program that gives back to our nation’s heroes who have selflessly served our nation.”

This is the third group of soldiers to participate in such training since NEATEC began working with the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program at Fort Drum in 2015. The partnership was created to establish a pipeline of soldiers interested in working as technicians in advanced manufacturing. Training is offered to soldiers scheduled to separate from service within a year, as well as some recently transitioned veterans.

“We are thrilled to join our partners in providing a skilled workforce pipeline for advanced manufacturing industries in New York State and specifically, the North Country region,” said Dr. Ty Stone, President of Jefferson Community College. “By working with fellow higher education institutions as well as industry members, we are able to give these transitioning veterans the state-of-the-art training they need to succeed.”

While initially offering training related to radio frequency and pneumatics, the program has expanded to include advanced manufacturing practices, pneumatics technology, and mechatronics. The topic selection and course objectives for this workshop series were based upon conversations with SUNY Poly’s industrial partners.

“Programs like this are a win-win situation for everyone involved,” said Dr. Robert Geer, Executive Director for NEATEC. “Service members receive the training they need to be fully-equipped to enter the high-tech workforce while companies in need of skilled employees receive highly-qualified and dedicated individuals ready to start their careers. NEATEC is thrilled to have launched such a wonderful program and we look forward to expanding it with our partners at Fort Drum and SUNY.”

The curriculum is developed and taught by current and former faculty from Mohawk Valley Community College. While the first two trainings were offered entirely on the MVCC campus, this most recent training was split between MVCC and Jefferson Community College.

“Successful companies are always looking for the best and brightest to carry on the high-level of quality for their clients and customers and now they have potential hires that are equipped and ready to walk into the workforce thanks to this training,” said Dr. Randall VanWagoner, President of Mohawk Valley Community College. “It is our honor to play a role in helping veterans transition to the workforce and to know that companies are receiving the very best in employees.”

Numerous companies have participated in the program, meeting with soldiers to talk about their organizations, products, and employment opportunities, including Indium Corporation, Danfoss Silicon Power, Norsk Titanium, GlobalFoundries, SUNY Poly’s Albany NanoTech Complex Foundry, Panasonic Eco Solutions Solar NY, Bartell Machinery, HMI Metal Powders-Pratt & Whitney, Anaren, and Allied Motion among others.

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About SUNY Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly)

SUNY Poly is New York’s globally recognized, high-tech educational ecosystem. SUNY Poly offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience and nanoengineering, as well as cutting-edge nanobioscience and nanoeconomics programs at its Albany campus, and undergraduate and graduate degrees in technology, including engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, and the engineering technologies; professional studies, including business, communication, and nursing; and arts and sciences, including natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences at its Utica/Rome campus; thriving athletic, recreational, and cultural programs, events, and activities complement the campus experience. As the world’s most advanced, university-driven research enterprise, SUNY Poly boasts billions of dollars in high-tech investments and hundreds of corporate partners since its inception. For information visit www.sunypoly.edu.