The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) hosted its third annual Women in Manufacturing Summit earlier this week at NextCorps in downtown Rochester.

The summit attracted more than 125 students and educators in person, and dozens more participated virtually.

The Women in Manufacturing Summit is part of National Apprenticeship Week. The event included networking, lunch and a panel discussion with experts from local advanced manufacturing companies.

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, women make up nearly half of the total workforce, but only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. The National Association of Manufacturing has launched initiatives to increase this figure to 35% by 2030.

“RTMA and FLYAP are proud to host the Women in Manufacturing Summit with the goal of introducing more young women to careers, apprenticeships and training programs in the advanced manufacturing sector,” said said Keri Martin, RTMA Youth Learning Coordinator. “As a former educator, I see the importance of connecting more young women to pathways that offer low-cost or even free training and great careers. »

The Women in Manufacturing Summit is part of RTMA’s year-long career exploration discussions with local schools and students. The association has connected more than 825 students with paid job shadowing and co-ops with more than 125 local businesses through its Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program.

The company has also partnered with local authorities, universities and industry to introduce young people to manufacturing careers at its annual ROC With Your Hands event.

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