Real Life Rosies, 5788 Widewaters Parkway, Syracuse, NY (2026)

04/28/2026

🌟⚙️ Company tours are a key element of our pre-apprenticeship programs because they introduce participants to real-world manufacturing environments and foster meaningful connections with industry professionals. These experiences help bridge the gap between their classroom instruction and the hands-on application of those skills.

This class of Real Life Rosies® had the opportunity to tour at three local companies this spring: Davis-Standard, LLC, Huhtamaki, and BioSpherix, Ltd.! Each visit provided a unique perspective on the range of possibilities within the manufacturing industry. Participants were able to see firsthand the skills and technologies in action, ask questions, and engage with professionals who shared their own career journeys and insights.

These tours are crucial for building confidence and excitement about entering the workforce. For many of our Rosies, it was an inspiring glimpse into the possibilities available right here in Central New York, reinforcing that rewarding, high-demand careers are within reach.

💪 Thank you to all the companies who shared their time and expertise with our participants! Your support and engagement plays a vital role in shaping and strengthening the career paths of our future workforce.

04/21/2026

We’re proud to be part of the Manufacturers Talent Institute (MTI), opening doors for women in modern manufacturing. 🌟

Our program equips individuals with the hands-on experience, real-world skills, and confidence to succeed in manufacturing careers.

We're excited to continue breaking down barriers, and empowering the next generation of Rosies. 💪

03/21/2026

It's National Rosie the Riveter Day! 💪

In 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives designated March 21 as "National Rosie the Riveter Day" to raise awareness about the 16 million women who stepped up to fuel the workforce during World War II. 🔧

Today and everyday we continue to honor the legacy of Rosie the Riveter by empowering the next generation of women to enter rewarding careers in manufacturing through the Real Life Rosies® pre-apprenticeship program!

Since launching in 2023, Real Life Rosies has trained over 150 women across the state — 76 percent of whom have found fulfilling careers in the industry!

👉 Looking to continue the legacy? Visit joinrosies.com

03/21/2026

Rosies in Training 💪

Building the next generation of Rosies begins in the classroom. Typically lasting around 12 weeks, the program is focused on providing hands-on training and equipping participants with foundational skills, industry knowledge, and the confidence to pursue careers in advanced manufacturing.

🔩 Through a balance of technical and power skills, the curriculum not only builds a solid foundation for a career in manufacturing but also assists participants with launching their careers. Over the course of the program, participants explore a variety of technical skills including safety, robotics, fasteners, and CNC machines while focusing on professional development through workshops on soft skills such as resume building, interview preparation, professionalism, and completing job applications.

Over the course of the program, participants will also go on guided tours of local manufacturing facilities. These tours are not only an opportunity to gain a better understanding of potential career paths but to connect and network with industry professionals.

This week, the current class of Rosies in Oswego spent time learning the basics of safety including fire safety and prevention, hazard communication, and lock out/tag out procedure for de-energizing equipment prior to repairs. To familiarize them with the procedure, the instructor guided them through a hands-on activity to safely practice the method in a controlled environment. He also led them through a drilling exercise to teach them about power tool safety!

Next week's session will focus on guiding participants through crafting their own resume. The instruction will concentrate on the structure and language of a resume and then to build on that, participants will schedule a 1:1 appointment with their instructor for individualized support.

💪 Interested in becoming a Rosie? Visit joinrosies.com

03/19/2026

💪🌟 Building Blocks of Talent Pipelines

Real Life Rosies® not only empowers the next generation of women to find careers in manufacturing but also helps local companies source and retain the best talent. Companies who partner with pre-apprenticeship programs like Real Life Rosies understand the value of building stronger talent pipelines. It's a win-win; our graduates connect with rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing and local companies grow their skilled workforce.

When Real Life Rosies launched in the Mohawk Valley in 2023, Indium Corporation, based in Utica, NY was one of the earliest partners and remains one of the strongest. "Indium Corporation proudly supports the Real Life Rosies program because we believe in creating meaningful pathways into manufacturing careers," remarked Jackie McDowell, Senior Human Resources Manager at Indium Corporation. "By embracing pre-apprenticeship as part of our workforce development pipeline, we're not only investing in skill-building, but also in opening doors for individuals who may not have otherwise seen a future for themselves in this industry. Programs like Real Life Rosies strengthen our workforce, our community, and the future of manufacturing."

A testament to the program's success in building strong and sustainable talent pipelines is Katrina Genier, an alumna of the inaugural class in the Mohawk Valley. After graduating Katrina was hired by Indium Corporation as a Production Operator I. Three years later, she's now a Production Operator II at Indium Corporation and has signed onto their Registered Apprenticeship Program in the Industrial Manufacturing Technician trade. "The Real Life Rosies program opened the door for me to start a career in manufacturing and gave me the confidence to take that first step," said Katrina. "Today, as a Production Operator II and Registered Apprentice at Indium Corporation, I'm continuing to build my skills, learn from experienced teammates, and grow in a career I'm proud to be part of."

As the program expanded across New York State into new regions including Central New York, Albany, Binghamton, and Rochester, more companies have partnered with program to grow, and nurture their talent pipelines, including Belden Inc. "The Real Life Rosies program has breathed new life into bringing women back into manufacturing in skilled trades in the Central New York area. We have partnered with MACNY on apprenticeship for around 10 years. Throughout those 10 years we have taken part in many pathways to apprenticeship programs. None have been as successful as the Real Life Rosies program," remarked Eric Peckham, Director Global Manufacturing Engineering at Belden.

Throughout New York State there are over 40 companies committed to empowering the next generation of women in manufacturing through their involvement with Real Life Rosies. Thank you to the following companies for their partnership and support of this program:

Accede Mold & Tool, Anoplate Corporation, BAE Systems, Baxter International Inc., Berry Global, Bluefors, Bo-Mer Plastics, LLC, Cayuga Milk Ingredients, CONMED Corporation, Currier, Davis-Standard, LLC, DeIorio Foods, DPtool, Eaton Crouse-Hinds, EJ, Fiber Instrument Sales, Fulton Companies, Ga***rd Archival, Giovanni Food Company, GreenSpark Energy, GlobalFoundries, Hartman Enterprises, Hubbard Tool & Die, Huhtamaki, JMA Wireless, Mardon Tool & Die Co., Inc., National Pipe & Plastics, Inc., NET & Die, Novelis, Nucor Steel, Nutrition Bar Confectioners, NY Creates, Riverhawk Company, Smurfit Westrock, Square One Coating Systems, TTM Technologies, Inc., Universal Metalworks, LLC., Waygate Technologies, WMT Precision, Wolfspeed, and Worthington Steel.

⚙️ Looking to grow your talent pipeline? Connect with Real Life Rosies: https://shorturl.at/NGADr

03/19/2026

💪📈 A Growing Movement

Launched in the Mohawk Valley in 2023, Real Life Rosies® has rapidly expanded its footprint across New York State, now operating in Albany, Binghamton, Central New York, Oswego, and Rochester.

The growth of the Real Life Rosies program has largely been driven by strong partnerships with organizations including The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association, Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Center for Economic Growth, and NY Creates. Their collaboration and support in delivering these classes has significantly broadened the program's reach.

"Expanding pre-apprenticeship programs across New York State reflects our ongoing commitment to building a more inclusive manufacturing workforce," said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY. By equipping individuals with the skills, training, and confidence needed to succeed in high-demand careers, we are creating meaningful pathways to opportunity. Together, we are helping shape the next generation of industry leaders who will strengthen our communities and drive New York's economy forward."

"As 'Rosie the Riveter Day' is celebrated, NY Creates, with partners including MACNY, is proud to help empower the next generation of women in manufacturing," said NY Creates Director of Workforce Development Capri O'Hara. "Training initiatives like our pre-apprenticeship program, conducted in collaboration with MACNY, provide learners with hands-on exposure and technical skills that open doors to careers in advanced manufacturing and the semiconductor industry. Together, we are strengthening workforce pathways each day and helping build the talent pipeline needed for the future of innovation."

🚀🌟 The program's expansion has also made possible through the support of funding partners including the New York State Department of Labor, Empire State Development, the Maritime Industrial Base and National Science Foundation (NSF) Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York.

"Rosie the Riveter highlighted what women could achieve in manufacturing when given the opportunity. Today, Real Life Rosies is carrying that same legacy by empowering women to pursue modern manufacturing careers, a crucial step in unlocking the full potential of our workforce and ensuring the United States can successfully reindustrialize," remarked Tim Thomas, Chief Workforce Development Officer for the NSF Energy Storage Engine.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Governor Hochul and ESD are committed to supporting workforce development initiatives that expand access to affordable, hands-on training programs that are preparing New Yorkers for the high-quality jobs of tomorrow. The Real Life Rosies program empowers women throughout New York by providing access to the tools needed to ensure that the state can share in a more equitable future for all."

💪 As Real Life Rosies continues to grow across the state, it's partnerships like these that will continue to empower more women to enter careers in manufacturing.

👉 Learn more about Real Life Rosies at macny.org/rosies

03/17/2026

Rosies on the Rise 💪🌟

Over 83 years after the iconic Rosie the Riveter entered the cultural ether, a new generation of Rosies is growing. 76 percent of Real Life Rosies® graduates have entered rewarding careers and are making meaningful contributions to the manufacturing sector.

Today we're spotlighting three modern day Rosies making an impact on the local manufacturing industry.

🌟 Jennifer VanLuven graduated from the first group of Rosies in Onondaga County. After graduation she accepted a position at Ga***rd Archival and has since signed onto their Registered Apprenticeship Program in the Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) trade to expand her skills as she grows in her career. In reflecting on her time in the program Jennifer noted, "It provided me with a foundation to grow my career in manufacturing…and fostered a supportive community of like-minded women where we felt comfortable applying what we'd learned to build and refine our skills."

🌟 Inspired by friends working in the industry to pursue a career in manufacturing, Paige Perl joined the inaugural class of Rosies at Cayuga Community College to kickstart her journey. She's incredibly thankful, not only for the opportunities Real Life Rosies gave her to improve her skills, but also for the chance to interview with local manufacturers during the program. After graduating, she accepted a job at Belden Inc. as the company's first female automation technician and has signed onto their Registered Apprenticeship Program under the Electro-mechanical Technician trade.

🌟 For Alexandra Bakiewicz, Real Life Rosies provided the career shift opportunity she'd been searching for. Before enrolling, she worked in Washington, D.C. for a non-profit focused on employing individuals with disabilities. Although she'd never previously considered a career in manufacturing, when she learned about Real Life Rosies, she felt compelled to give it a try and she's incredibly thankful she did. "This is the first time in a long time I've found fulfillment in what I do," she remarked. Despite not having any previous experience in manufacturing, Alexandra states that the skills she gained through the program have equipped her for success in her current role, as an Operations Manager at Progress Industries, a business enterprise of The Arc, Oneida-Lewis.

💪 Just as Rosie the Riveter served as the cultural icon for women's empowerment, these graduates are becoming a symbol for a new era of manufacturing, strengthened and driven by women.

03/16/2026

⚙️💪 National Rosie the Riveter Day (March 21) honors the millions of women who stepped into manufacturing roles during World War II and helped power the nation's workforce.

All week long, we'll be celebrating the legacy of those women and highlighting the Real Life Rosies® program that's inspiring the next generation of women in manufacturing.

We're kicking things off with the story behind Rosie the Riveter — the iconic symbol of women empowering the workforce. 💪

When most people think of Rosie the Riveter, it's J. Howard Miller's "We Can Do It!" poster that comes to mind. However during the war, the woman in Miller's poster wasn't referred to as Rosie. The name "Rosie the Riveter" stems from the 1942 song of the same name, by Redd Evans and John Jacob Loeb, ("She's making history, working for victory, Rosie the Riveter"). 🎶

At the time Miller's poster had nothing to do with empowering women the join the workforce to support the war effort. The "We Can Do It" poster was only displayed in a handful of Westinghouse factories for a couple of weeks and wasn't widely visible until the 1980s when it became synonymous with women's empowerment! Instead, it was Norman Rockwell's painting called "Rosie the Riveter" originally appearing on the cover of Saturday Evening Post, that was used to promote women's involvement in the war effort. Rockwell's image was loaned by the Post to the U.S. Treasury Department for use in posters and campaigns promoting war bonds.

Over 80 years after iconic Rosie the Riveter entered the cultural zeitgeist, the spirit of Rosie continues to inspire, leading to the development of Real Life Rosies, New York State's first direct-entry manufacturing training program for women. It offers a no-cost, hands-on learning experience that builds in-demand technical skills while empowering participants with the knowledge and confidence to pursue rewarding careers in manufacturing.

💪 Interested in continuing the legacy? macny.org/rosies

01/30/2026

Introducing the future workforce! 💪⚙️

Yesterday in partnership with Onondaga Community College, we celebrated the achievements of 10 graduates who completed the Real Life Rosies® pre-apprenticeship program! 🎓 We're incredibly proud of the passion, perseverance, and commitment these graduates put into achieving this milestone.

"The program graduates should be incredibly proud of what they've accomplished," said Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association. "Each of them represents the power of collaboration between industry, education, and community partners."

The celebration honored program graduates and recognized employer partners who supported participants through company tours, interviews, and employment opportunities. Eric Peckham, Director Manufacturing Engineering Americas at Belden Inc. spoke at the graduation. During his speech he touched on how these programs have created a solid talent pipeline to highly skilled and motivated workers. One of those workers, Paige Perl, a Real Life Rosies graduate and Registered Apprentice in the Electro-mechanical Technician trade at Belden, expressed her gratitude for the program noting that she wouldn't be where she is without it. 💪

🌟 Special thank you to Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter - 128th District for sending a congratulatory video message to the graduates. Your leadership and support in securing funding for these programs allow them to grow and serve more New Yorkers.

These programs are further strengthened through national partnerships with BlueForge Alliance – Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) and the NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, as well as support from Empire State Development and the New York State Department of Labor!

Congratulations to all the graduates! 🎓⚙️

01/22/2026

Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Real Life Rosies® program! 💪🎓

Yesterday, in partnership with Cayuga Community College, we celebrated 5 Real Life Rosies participants who successfully graduated from the program! We're incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and perseverance as they carry forward the legacy of Rosie the Riveter.

Our program graduates are now equipped with hands-on skills, professional training, and valuable industry connections. They leave the program, well-prepared for entry-level roles in manufacturing and have opportunities to continue their growth through upskilling opportunities such as Registered Apprenticeship or industry-recognized certifications. 🔧🔩

Randy Wolken, President & CEO of MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, shared his remarks at the graduation, expressing his pride in the next generation of skilled manufacturing talent. He was joined by City of Fulton Mayor, James Rice and Mark Southwick, Plant Manager at Huhtamaki North America (Huhtamaki Fulton) who both spoke to the program's positive impact on our region.

🌟 A special thank you to Senator Chris Ryan for attending the graduation and for his continued support of our pre-apprenticeship programs!

Real Life Rosies

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