NORWICH – At the New York Aviation Management Association's annual conference, held this year in Buffalo, attendees heard from a variety of speakers on subjects ranging from cybersecurity to airport revenue management. Martha Ryan, Public and School Liaison for DCMO BOCES, spoke on Workforce Development, emphasizing the generational shift and the need for industry to connect the dots for early career exploration, workforce education, and engagement with schools.

“The conference development team did a remarkable job incorporating networking sessions,” she said, “opening doors to conversations on how aviation organizations can team up with BOCES organizations in their area to introduce students to the multiple career opportunities with airports and related industries.”
In her presentation, she also highlighted the role that the SUNY system continues to play in workforce development. “Their proactive approach to developing micro-credentials, badges, and certificates allows students with scarce financial resources to afford the programs,” she said. “It gives them the tools to enter the workforce and pursue career advancement using employers' tuition reimbursement and other economic resources.” 
Ryan appreciated the opportunity to speak to this group of industry professionals from across the state, as it allowed her to highlight ideas for all employers to engage with BOCES resources and services. She shared a checklist of opportunities for early workforce development, noting that “in New York State, you have a BOCES organization near you, with a proven long-term record of technical education and workforce development results. It’s in the best interest of employers to find ways to connect the dots with classroom presence, internships, mentorships, and summer jobs.”
Walter Constantini, Associate Professor and Director of Aviation programs at Mohawk Valley Community College, joined Ryan in the presentation, discussing the gap between the demand for aviation workers and the supply. He noted that the skills that prepare a student for aviation mechanics are the same as for other industries, such as amusement park equipment, so the sector competes with industries that recruit from the same graduate pool. Development of aviation-specific programs is one way to make progress closing the gap and steering workers directly into the field.

DCMO BOCES currently provides a number of career and technical education programs, and continues to explore the potential of other career preparation fields, including aviation, animal care, and advanced manufacturing. DCMO BOCES is a regional provider of educational services to students and schools, including adult learning programs, and operates school campuses in Sidney Center and Norwich. To find out more about their services and programs, visit www.dcmoboces.com.

-Information from DCMO BOCES