Local students take part in unique signing day, giving them career opportunities – 13WHAM

Fairport, N.Y. (WHAM) — Students at the Eastern Monroe Career Center (EMCC) at Monroe One BOCES committed to paid co-ops and job shadows during a unique signing day Tuesday.

Five seniors and two juniors in the school’s automated manufacturing and machining program were given jerseys with their grade numbers on the back during the fifth annual Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) signing day.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program holds annual ‘Signing Day’ ceremony | Finger Lakes youth apprenticeship program hosts signing day at East High

The students accepted positions at several different area companies for the rest of the semester, with hopes of turning those opportunities into a full-time job after graduation.

When you think of signing day, you think of student-athletes committing to colleges to pursue their athletic and academic careers. But what about people who, instead of college, want to go right into the workforce?

Tuesday’s event not only helps these students take the next step in their careers, but it’s also an experience that businesses find valuable when hiring new employees.

“One of the things is coming in with information, being able to name tools, being comfortable around machinery is a huge difference in the workforce,” said Amy McConville, apprenticeship coordinator for Optimax Systems.

Lenny Hall, an automated manufacturing and machining teacher at EMCC, says he’s been given good feedback from the companies that employ his students, and says watching them excel in their field is the best part of the job.

“They’re superstars when they get out,” he said. “The neat thing is, I have a student who graduates from here, and seven years later, they’re getting transferred to the engineering department, or they’re coming out of college class and traveling around the world.”

EMCC’s two-year manufacturing and machining program is offered to high school juniors and seniors looking to explore the field of precision machining through a hands-on approach.

The students who participated in the signing day admitted they got butterflies before hearing their names called.

“I know most of us were all pretty nervous and pretty antsy to go and do this,” said Zachary Toole, a student who signed with SPX Flow. “Once we actually got here, we were able to feel a lot more relaxed and confident, and more proud of what we’re doing here.”

As for what students are up to in the class, let’s just say it’s “out of this world.”

“We’re actually producing parts that will eventually be on the International Space Station at some point,” Hall said “The students are able to sign parts that will be up (there).”

FLYAP is a one-of-a-kind program here in New York state.CLICK HERE for more information.

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