Syracuse Surge Creating Career Opportunities

When Ashley Menifee heard about the Syracuse Surge program it almost sounded too good to be true. The 32-year-old iron worker from Syracuse was exploring employment possibilities and considering his options. "Work was slow. I saw this as an opportunity I should take advantage of."

Menifee was one of 8 successful participants in the first-ever "Syracuse Surge" workforce training program. It's a collaboration between Onondaga Community College, OCM BOCES, CenterState CEO, SUNY EOC, and the City of Syracuse to provide employers in the high-tech manufacturing industry with desperately needed workers. The program is funded in part by the JP Morgan Chase Foundation. Student stipends are supported through the American Rescue Plan Act.

The workforce training program brought Menifee and his classmates to the OCC campus where they went through two separate and distinct training regimens. A group of instructors under the leadership of Matthew Tarolli, Coordinator of Adult Programs at OCM BOCES, worked with students on soft skills such as how to address your employer, ethics, the value of team work, and basic computer skills. OCC Electrical Technology Professor Mike Grieb led students through the Electrical Mechanical Technician program which made them outstanding candidates for on-the-job training with potential employers.

All of the training was in preparation for an "Electromechanical Bootcamp" held February 10 on the OCC campus. Students had the opportunity to meet individually, in 15 minute increments, with employers who had come to campus to conduct interviews. Employers in attendance included NexGen, WestRock, Giovanni Foods, Raymond Corporation, and ICM Controls, a HVAC and Electrical Manufacturing Company. "We're looking for candidates who have the aptitude to learn more and move up," said ICM Controls Human Resources Specialist Kimberly Henn. "It's a very challenging climate. It's great to have a program like this where we already have people who are excited and want to work," added ICM Controls Human Resources Director Amy Peluso.

The day couldn't have worked out better for Menifee. He interviewed with all five companies and received a job offer. "We were all well prepared," Menifee said. "I'm so thankful for this opportunity."

Another Syracuse Surge training session is in the planning stages for later this year. You can learn more about accelerated career training opportunities by visiting Onondaga Community College's website.