Albany  –The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) in collaboration with the Greater Capital Region Workforce Investment Boards (GCR WIBs) is introducing the second in a series of business showcase videos highlighting local companies that offer exciting STEM careers for qualified local employees.

The video features GLOBALFOUNDRIES Fab 8, the Malta-based manufacturing site of one of the largest and fastest-growing semiconductor companies in the world, offering a virtual tour of Fab 8’s campus, cleanroom, its people, and its career pathways. The video was introduced last night at the kick-off of ‘GLOBALFOUNDRIES'  TechTuesday, a new education and workforce development initiative to offer a glimpse into the world of nanotechnology and the career pathways available at Fab 8.

The GLOBALFOUNDRIES virtual tour follows a business showcase video of Adirondack Studios, a manufacturer located in Argyle, New York that creates custom scenic design, entertainment design, fabrication and interactive environments. Both videos are available on the Tech Valley Connection for Education and Jobs (TVCEJ) homepage at http://www.techvalleyed.org.

  

TVCEJ is a 13-county regional pilot initiative focused on leveraging education-business partnerships to strengthen workforce development and connect students to high-tech, STEM and advanced manufacturing jobs in New York’s Tech Valley. Led by GLOBALFOUNDRIES and the Center for Economic Growth, the initiative is a pioneering model for transforming our K-12 and higher education systems to prepare students and future employees for success, improve education outcomes for disadvantaged groups and ensure a competitive U.S. workforce in the 21^st century technology- and knowledge -based economy. 

TVCEJ’s online platform will enable educators to share successful STEM initiatives, programs and practices; businesses to offer their expertise and resources; and students and educators to learn about high-tech industries and the growing careers in our region.

In 2012, the Greater Capital Region Workforce Investment Boards (GCR WIBs) received a three-year grant from U.S. Department of Labor's Workforce Innovation Fund to address the STEM middle skills gap in the Greater Capital Region by specifically targeting adults, dislocated worker and disadvantaged youth. Both the Workforce Innovation Fund grant and TVCEJ aim to build a region wide STEM talent pipeline and provide employers with a skilled workforce needed for their companies' success and economic growth.

“Addressing the STEM skill shortage in the Greater Capital Region of New York State will ensure that employers have access to qualified workers by establishing a new pipeline of STEM talent that links the workforce system, employers, educators, and emerging and returning workers,” said Gail Breen, Executive Director Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties Workforce Development Board, Inc. “Implicit in this goal is the realization that success for all is built on a foundation of career pathways and life-long learning. “

 "GLOBALFOUNDRIES is excited to be a part of TVCEJ’s business showcase series,” said Mike Russo, Director of GLOBALFOUNDRIES US Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Initiatives. “Virtual tours are a great, cost-effective way to educate students and job seekers about 21^st century career opportunities in the Tech Valley Region. The initiative complements GLOBALFOUNDRIES’ other education outreach activities by bringing the world of advanced manufacturing from the shop floor right into students’ classrooms.”

“As a technology driven economy here in Tech Valley, companies are producing jobs requiring STEM skills and yet there still exists a skill gap that will only widen if we don’t develop focused programs to address the issue,” said Michael Hickey, interim president and CEO of CEG.  “That is why we are excited to participate in this collaborative initiative that encourages learning opportunities in STEM by bringing together local partners through technical career awareness activities. It’s these types of partnerships that will enable this region to better prepare students and existing workers in the skills needed to secure future jobs.”

               

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About the Center for Economic Growth
CEG is the leading economic development organization in New York's Tech Valley and serves as the Capital Region's designated Regional Technology Development Center (RTDC). A private, non-profit, membership-based organization, CEG drives economic growth by working with partners in business, government, and education on strategic initiatives to grow local companies, attract new industry and investment, and prepare communities for future growth.

CEG receives significant financial support from Empire State Development's Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which works to facilitate the integration of innovation and technology throughout New York's economic development efforts, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) / Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), and National Grid.

As the designated RTDC for the New York State's Capital Region and one of nearly 350 MEP locations across the country, CEG is charged with assisting local manufacturing and technology companies generate new sales, create stronger operational infrastructure, and overcome barriers to growth. Visit  www.ceg.org

About the Greater Capital Region Workforce Investment Boards

 The Greater Capital Region Workforce Investment Boards is comprised of four local Workforce Investment Boards: the Capital Region, Columbia-Greene, Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie, and Saratoga-Warren-Washington. The GCR WIBS have been working together since 2001 to address and coordinate workforce needs of the region through partnerships with over 40 organizations. The GCR WIBs have partnered with the Center for Economic Growth since 2009. For more information, visit http://www.fmsworkforcesolutions.org