Interviewed by Michael Nelson and Derek Foster • Article written directly from the recorded transcript using AI, editor-reviewed by Taylor Stone, and subject-verified.

For Don Wiesenforth and Matt Grattan of the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) in Albany, NY, the future of manufacturing depends on raising people’s awareness of opportunities already around them.

Wiesenforth, CEG’s Senior Vice President of the Manufacturing Solutions Group and Director of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and Grattan, Director of Workforce Innovation, described a Capital Region manufacturing sector with roughly 900 manufacturers and about 35,000 manufacturing jobs—while emphasizing that the biggest challenge is connecting people to those opportunities.

Apprenticeships Create a Different Path Into Manufacturing

A major part of CEG’s workforce strategy is creating pathways into manufacturing that don’t require young people to follow the traditional college route. Grattan explained that CEG currently operates pre-apprenticeship programs, including Real Life Rosies, which focuses on bringing more women into manufacturing, and another program designed to reach populations that may not otherwise be exposed to manufacturing careers. The programs provide eight weeks of foundational manufacturing skills and can position participants to move directly into registered apprenticeships.

For those entering an apprenticeship, the options extend well beyond one job title. CEG’s programs include Industrial Manufacturing Technician, CNC machining and electromechanical technician pathways, along with a Nanotechnology Engineering Technician trade developed with GlobalFoundries. Grattan said the 18-month Industrial Manufacturing Technician program can serve as a starting point, with another 10 to 15 manufacturing trades potentially available through what workforce professionals call “stacking.”

The financial structure can also make the pathway more accessible. While completing community college coursework, apprentices can build a transcript toward an associate’s degree. At the same time, SUNY tuition assistance can cover up to $14,000 in related instruction and community college costs—about 90% of an associate’s degree, according to Grattan. He summarized the model simply: “The beauty of the apprenticeship program is, is earn while you learn.”

Getting Young People to See Manufacturing Differently

CEG is also trying to introduce manufacturing before students have already decided what careers are available to them. Its “What’s So Cool About Manufacturing” program works with middle school students, pairing schools with manufacturers and allowing students to interview workers, shoot video and develop marketing plans. The program grew from six middle schools in its first year to 20 schools, and the previous year’s student videos generated 66,000 votes.

Wiesenforth said the approach is partly about changing outdated perceptions. “The dark, dirty, dangerous” image of manufacturing, he argued, is largely outdated, while many people simply don’t know what is happening inside the facilities they pass every day.

That lack of awareness matters because manufacturing isn’t limited to jobs on the production floor. Wiesenforth pointed to HR, sales, legal, finance and social media as examples of the many roles manufacturers need. “If you want to go into manufacturing, there is a space for you,” he said.

Helping Capital Region Manufacturers Grow

CEG’s work also extends beyond workforce development. Through its Manufacturing Extension Partnership, CEG helps small and midsize manufacturers address needs ranging from quality and lean processes to marketing and AI automation. Wiesenforth explained that the program works through a national network and can leverage grants to reduce the cost of services for manufacturers.

The organization is also developing a regional OnRamp center in Albany focused on advanced manufacturing workforce development. CEG is working with Empire State Development on the project, with plans for a temporary location followed by a larger permanent facility in downtown Albany.

For Don Wiesenforth and Matt Grattan of the Center for Economic Growth in Albany, NY, the goal is ultimately bigger than filling individual jobs. It is about helping manufacturers grow while giving more people a clear view of where a career in manufacturing can lead. As Wiesenforth put it, “There is something for everybody” in manufacturing—from advanced technology and pharmaceuticals to consumer products and Broadway stage sets.