NYATEP Members at CSArch Workforce Development Event in Utica, NY

On May 1st, NYATEP participated in the CSArch Workforce Development Event held at Saranac Brewery in Utica, NY. The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with several NYATEP members, including Ken Adamczyk of the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Franca Armstrong of Mohawk Valley Community College, and Sommer Edwards of Working Solutions. They were joined by Erica Schoff of the Griffiss Institute and Michelle Hall of the Utica City School District to explore how we can collectively respond to the rapidly changing landscape of work.

Below are some of the key themes the panel addressed:

From the Classroom to the Career Path
The discussion began with a focus on young learners, including English as a New Language (ENL) students. Partners like the Utica City School District are working hard to ensure these students are supported throughout their educational journeys. It's about more than language—it's about ensuring access, opportunity, and inclusion.

Addressing the Shrinking Workforce
Ken highlighted a sobering reality: there are simply fewer workers in today’s labor force. This shortage is forcing us to rethink the scope of work (SOW) and reconsider who we define as part of the workforce. The solution? Start by expanding access and creating pathways for more individuals to participate.

Welcoming Nontraditional Workers
Franca emphasized the need to embrace nontraditional workers, especially women entering male-dominated industries like manufacturing. Programs that connect women to careers in the skilled trades are not just inspirational—they’re transformational. These “real-life Rosies” are helping build a more inclusive and diverse economy.

Reinventing Training for the 21st Century
Given today’s political and funding uncertainties, it's clear we can’t continue training workers the same way we did two decades ago. Registered and pre-apprenticeship programs offer flexible, career-aligned pathways that better serve the needs of today’s workforce.

Opportunity in the Form of Micron
With companies like Micron bringing thousands of new jobs to New York, the key question isn’t just what jobs are coming—it’s how we prepare people for them. Workforce leaders must ask: How can we help? What can we do now to get our communities ready?

Keep the Conversation Going
If you were inspired by what you heard, don’t keep it to yourself—share it. Let’s continue this dialogue, spark new collaborations, and work together to build the future of our workforce. Our success will depend on our willingness to innovate, include, and invest in people.