Workforce Development Assistant - In Training

MACNY•Syracuse, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY) is seeking a Workforce Development Assistant in Training to support the delivery, growth, and continuous improvement of the Manufacturers Talent Institute’s (MTI) advanced manufacturing programs. This is a developmental role supporting apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs and preparing participants for manufacturing careers while helping employers build a skilled talent pipeline. The position develops the knowledge and skills needed to advance to a Workforce Development Specialist role supporting pathways into Registered Apprenticeship programs. The assistant works with participants, employers, educators, workforce development partners, and community organizations. The role supports participant recruitment, career preparation, retention, completion, and employment placement; contributes to program coordination and partner relationships; and maintains participant, employer, partner, outcome, and grant-related records. The position collaborates with an assigned trainer, the apprenticeship team, and other MTI departments, and may support special projects, pilot programs, regional initiatives, and program expansion. It is not a remote position and requires regional travel, with occasional activities outside standard business hours as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; a bachelor’s degree in workforce development, education, business, communications, human services, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
Six months minimum of experience working with employers, students, job seekers, community partners, education providers, or workforce development programs is a plus.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to maintain professionalism and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to collaborate effectively with others.
Ability to gather, analyze, and convey data.
Ability to support presentations to varied groups.
Ability to work independently and with training supervision.
Ability to travel to various locations weekly or daily as needed to meet training needs.
Ability to conduct research and analysis and present findings.
Solution-focused attitude.
Effective organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
Familiarity with CRM systems, learning management systems, Smartsheet, data dashboards, and other reporting tools.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel regionally for recruitment, program delivery, partner meetings, employer engagement, graduations, and community outreach.
Ability to participate in occasional activities outside standard business hours, as needed.
Successfully pass a background check.
Physical ability to sit for prolonged periods and work on a computer, and lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Nice To Haves

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 ability.

Responsibilities

Support recruitment, screening, and interviewing of participants for pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Coordinate with education partners, workforce development partners, community organizations, and employers to support successful program delivery.
Support career preparation, 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.
Assist participants with placement into employment, Registered Apprenticeship pathways, or other appropriate next-step opportunities.
Develop the ability to serve as a liaison among participants, businesses, educators, and community partners to support clear communication and aligned expectations.
Assist with special projects, pilot programs, regional initiatives, and program expansion efforts as assigned.
Develop skills in building and maintaining relationships with employers, educators, workforce partners, and community organizations to promote MTI programs and workforce development initiatives.
Participate in 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 required grant data.
Enter and update information in CRM systems, learning management systems, spreadsheets, and other program tracking tools.
Work collaboratively with the assigned trainer, apprenticeship team, and other MTI departments.
Contribute to a positive, solutions-oriented team culture focused on accountability, service, participant success, and continuous improvement.
Perform other related duties as assigned.