Picente: County, MVCC Partner with Premier To Offer Fast-Track Training to Laid-Off Workers

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced that Oneida County is partnering with Mohawk Valley Community College and Premier Aviation Overhaul Center Ltd. to provide two fast-track aviation skills training programs that can help area men and women who have been laid off find work in the high-growth field of aviation.

“Premier wants to expand in Oneida County and needs workers with specific skill sets,” Picente said. “Fortunately, MVCC has the ability to develop and implement two fast-track training programs that can meet Premier’s needs. Oneida County Workforce Development will use the funding to retrain people who need work. Through this partnership, we will help move people into a high-growth sector of our economy.”
Two programs will be offered: Introduction to Aircraft Electrical Systems and Introduction to Aircraft Structures. Both programs will be offered from Friday, May 3rd through Friday, June 14th, Monday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Classes will meet at the MVCC Airframe & Powerplant Program Facility at Griffiss Park. Potential trainees must be screened by Working Solutions offices for eligibility in this program. Premier Aviation will also screen the trainees. Each program will accept 12 people. Laid off workers who are interested in registering should begin the process by contacting MVCC by calling (315)792-5300 or e-mailing training@mvcc.edu.

Premier Aviation Overhaul Center Ltd. General Manager Larry Atkinson said: “The trainees who come to us through this program will be skilled, motivated and ready to work. Many of them will bring significant work histories from former employment that help them succeed here.We appreciate the support we have received from MVCC in designing this program to meet our needs. We further appreciate the support of Oneida County in helping to make this training possible.”

MVCC President Randall VanWagoner said the college is excited to partner with Premier and Oneida County in this innovative program. “Our Airframe & Powerplant program is a highly successful program that meets the needs of employers and our students. Through these new fast-track introductory programs, we can help local workers get into a growth sector in just a few weeks. These programs add a new layer to our ability to meet the needs of the aviation sector.”

In addition to contacting MVCC, workers can apply at local offices of Working Solutions:
Oneida County: Working Solutions Utica, New York State Office Building, 2nd Floor, 207 Genesee Street, Utica. Phone: (315) 793-2229. E-Mail: Utica.Dews@labor.ny.gov. Working Solutions, Rome, 300 West Dominick St., Suite 1, Rome. Phone: (315) 356-0662. E-Mail: help@workingsolutionsrome.org
Herkimer County: Working Solutions Herkimer, 320 N. Prospect Street, Herkimer. Phone: (315) 867-1400. E-Mail: hceta@herkimercounty.org.
Madison County: Working Solutions Oneida, 1006 Oneida Plaza Drive, Oneida. Phone: (315) 363-2400. E-Mail: madet@madisoncounty.ny.gov