Ithaca-area workforce group outlines new trades apprenticeship program, seeks local outreach partners

The Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency heard detailed discussion about new apprenticeship pathways in construction and manufacturing on the agency’s May meeting, after a presentation from the Ithaca area economic development workforce initiative.

Agency staff and board members said the initiative previously ran manufacturing-focused apprenticeships and is now launching a building‑trades program cosponsored by multiple trade unions. Agency staff said the trades program drew strong interest — more than 50 people initially expressed interest during recent marketing — but not all respondents followed through to enrollment.

The presenter, identified in the meeting as the director of workforce innovation for the Ithaca area economic development workforce initiative, described an application and employer‑driven selection process designed to match participants to employer needs. The presenter said the program is resource intensive and provides stipends; agency staff noted the program’s cost per placed participant is likely higher than the IRA’s typical placement cost of about $10,000 per person.

Nels, an IRA staff member, said some program recruits were from outside Tompkins County and that the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency applies a local‑workforce participation criterion to incentive agreements. He said the IDA defines “local” as residents of Tompkins County or adjacent counties, which can differ from trade unions’ geographic categories and may help explain wider regional interest in the trades program.

Board members and staff discussed opportunities to link the new trades pathway with local nonprofits that serve more vulnerable populations. Nels said some IRA‑funded programs — for example Historic Ithaca and GIAC‑supported programs — could act as “feeders” by preparing participants for apprenticeship entry requirements. The board asked staff to continue outreach and collaboration efforts so the initiative can better reach local residents who might benefit.

Agency members also raised transportation as a key barrier: staff said travel to work, especially for nonstandard shifts, may limit participants’ ability to take apprenticeship jobs. Board members encouraged further outreach to organizations that serve vulnerable populations and to workforce navigation partners such as Workforce New York.

The agency did not take a formal vote on the initiative at the meeting; members asked staff to continue discussions with the workforce program and local partners.