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Ithaca Area Economic Development outlines industry-led job pathways in manufacturing and construction
Summary
Ithaca Area Economic Development described two industry partnerships—Direct to Work (manufacturing) and Tompkins Build (construction)—that combine employer-designed training, community referrals and wraparound services and are funded in part by a $1.2 million federal grant.
Danielle Zabo, director of workforce innovation for Ithaca Area Economic Development, presented the agency’s industry partnership model and two active programs—Direct to Work (manufacturing) and Tompkins Build (pre‑apprenticeship construction)—to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency Economic Development Committee during its May meeting.
Zabo said the model is “industry led and community supported” and described six components used to design the programs: industry engagement, stakeholder convening, a candidate profile, targeted recruitment, assessment and preparation, placement and supportive services. “We start backwards,” Zabo said, explaining that partners identify actual job openings and then build training and referral pathways to meet those specific employer needs.
The Direct to Work program serves nine local manufacturers that Zabo listed as C and D Assembly; Encodima 3D; Knickerbocker; Transonic Systems; BorgWarner; Therm; Stork H and E Blading; Lansing Instrument; and Precision Filters. It is a five‑week, full‑time training that was recognized as a SUNY pre‑apprenticeship program,…
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