Forging Futures: How Real Life Rosies® is Revolutionizing Manufacturing Careers in New York

Two years ago, a powerful workforce initiative took root in Mohawk Valley, New York—and it has been gaining momentum ever since. Known as Real Life Rosies®, the program has become a launchpad for underrepresented populations seeking to break into the advanced manufacturing industry. It goes beyond training; it serves as an on-ramp to real careers, with real pay and real support.

At the heart of the program is SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) credential. Participants receive technical training and develop critical soft skills—teamwork, communication, and accountability that employers demand. What makes it unique is how tightly it’s integrated with industry. Many of the employers that interview participants on-site are signatory apprenticeship sponsors, meaning they’re ready to hire and train the next generation of manufacturing talent.

The program has received approval from the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) as a registered Pre-Apprenticeship program that can lead to a direct entry program for Registered Apprenticeships. This is a significant achievement. It acts as an apprenticeship preparation program that provides participants with training and exposure to various trades and offers opportunities for entry into Registered Apprenticeship training programs. MACNY, The Manufacturers Association of Central New York, sponsors over 50 companies that can benefit from individuals completing the Real Life Rosies® program. The program is dedicated to achieving targets for underrepresented populations and promoting diversity within the manufacturing sector. The program's educational foundation is closely linked to community colleges. Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) in Utica was the initial and primary partner, providing tuition support, classroom space, and instructors. It also included an additional curriculum featuring hands-on labs and essential soft skills training. After eight successful cohorts at MVCC, the program expanded its reach to other colleges, such as Cayuga Community College and Onondaga Community College, enhancing its impact throughout the state.

The program is experiencing an exciting expansion, supported by Empire State Development and New York State Department of Labor. The expansion builds upon the firm foundation of community partners, providing funding, case management, and reimbursement for supportive services. Real Life Rosies has already successfully duplicated its model in Syracuse and Oswego in 2025 with different providers, demonstrating its adaptability and effectiveness. The program is now set to expand further through a statewide alliance, reaching Rochester with a local college and two America Job Centers, with the program's visionary leader providing oversight.

Further expansions are planned for this year, including the Capital Region with CEG and Global Foundries, and Binghamton with support from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce. This expansion aims to enroll 700 participants overall, with 12 to 15 individuals per cohort, signifying a substantial scaling of its impact.

The placement of graduates is a key measure of success, and Real Life Rosies proudly boasts an impressive placement rate of 75% to 80%. While not all graduates directly enter manufacturing roles, the skills they acquire are highly transferable. 

Real Life Rosies has enrolled 160 individuals, 106 of whom have completed the program, and 21 are currently enrolled. The remarkably low drop-out rate of only 34 participants speaks volumes about the program's engaging structure and comprehensive support.

There is also a companion program, Advance to Apprenticeship, designed in collaboration with the University of Rochester. It is a pilot initiative focused on individuals with disabilities but built with universal design so anyone can participate. The program includes tutoring and accessibility features, allowing students to earn SME’s CMfgA, a nationally recognized certification. A recent group of high school seniors from Proctor High School in Utica, all boys, experienced their first taste of work through a summer youth employment program at signatory employers. Most had no plans after graduation, but after this program, many enrolled at MVCC to continue their education.

In short, Real Life Rosies isn’t just changing individual lives, it’s creating a workforce pipeline, strengthening regional economies, and reshaping what opportunity looks like in New York State manufacturing. And with expansion accelerating, the best is still ahead.