Pre-Apprenticeship Workforce Development Specialist - CNY

MACNY•Syracuse, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) MTI Division seeks an energetic individual to serve as a Pre-Apprenticeship Workforce Development Specialist. This role supports the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of MTI’s pre-apprenticeship programs for advanced manufacturing, primarily in Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oswego counties. Based in MACNY's MTI Division Syracuse Office, this position is key in preparing participants for manufacturing careers and helping employers build a skilled talent pipeline. It supports pathways into Registered Apprenticeship and other workforce opportunities by balancing participant support, partner coordination, employer outreach, program execution, and grant-related requirements. The ideal candidate is highly organized, relationship-oriented, comfortable working with diverse stakeholders, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate possesses strong working relationship and organizational skills along with an interest in recruiting and business outreach.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Six months minimum working with employers, students, job seekers, community partners, education providers, or workforce development programs.
Familiarity with CRM systems, learning management systems, Smartsheet, data dashboards, or other reporting tools.
Goal-oriented with a proven solution-focused approach.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for networking, outreach, public speaking, and facilitation of program success.
Effective organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
Able to professionally promote program benefits to employers, participants, and partners.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities to meet deadlines effectively.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel regionally for recruitment, program delivery, partner meetings, employer engagement, graduations, and community outreach.
Must be able to travel regularly for meetings, events, outreach, and program activities in the community.
Must be able to participate in occasional activities outside standard business hours, as needed.
Successfully passing background check.

Nice To Haves

Preferred bachelor’s degree in workforce development, education, business, communications, human services, public administration, or a related field.
Experience with grant-funded programs or grant-related documentation.
Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.

Responsibilities

Recruit, screen, interview, and support participants for pre-apprenticeship programs.
Coordinate with education partners, workforce development partners, community organizations, and employers to support successful program delivery.
Provide career preparation support, including resume development, interview preparation, workplace readiness, and job search assistance.
Support participant retention and completion by identifying barriers, connecting participants to resources, and maintaining regular communication throughout the program.
Assist with participant placement into employment, Registered Apprenticeship pathways, or other appropriate next-step opportunities.
Serve as a liaison between participants, businesses, educators, and community partners to ensure clear communication and alignment of expectations.
Support special projects, pilot programs, new regional initiatives, and program expansion efforts as assigned.
Build and maintain relationships with employers, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to promote MTI’s pre-apprenticeship programs and broader workforce development initiatives.
Conduct outreach to employers to identify hiring needs, skill gaps, and opportunities for participant placement.
Collaborate with employers to support presentations, facility tours, interviews, hiring events, and other engagement opportunities.
Represent MTI at job fairs, community events, partner meetings, advisory committees, graduations, and other program-related events.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant activity, employer engagement, partner communication, program outcomes, and grant data.
Enter and update information in CRM systems, learning management systems, spreadsheets, and other program tracking tools.
Work collaboratively with the pre-apprenticeship team and other MTI departments.
Contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented team culture focused on accountability, service, participant success, and continuous improvement.
Prepare or contribute to program updates, participant communications, reports, articles, success stories, and partner-facing documents.
Perform other related duties as assigned.