The Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDWNY) program has proven to be a valuable asset for the local labor force and employers in Chautauqua County!
Since its inception in 2009, DIDWNY has facilitated over 75,000 student and teacher interactions through a variety of programs including hands-on technology experiences, technology competitions, tours of manufacturing facilities, and manufacturing technology-based presentations. This is extremely important work when you consider manufacturing is the third largest industry sector in the Western New York region, including Chautauqua County. In fact, manufacturing in the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce – which is well beyond the 8% national average. Needless to say, DIDIWNY is a valuable asset for local residents and families who are considering a future career in manufacturing or one of the many adjacent trade professions!
In October 2024, DIDIWNY announced a new collaboration with a key Chautauqua County manufacturer that will help prepare tomorrow’s labor force today, with other partnerships expected to be announced in the coming months. More details provided below.
Programs like Dream It Do It Western New York are yet another reason why people choose to Live CHQ!
Published with permission by DIDWNY.
Blackstone Advanced Technologies Endorses the Dream It Do It Advanced Manufacturing Program Certification
Blackstone Advanced Technologies in Jamestown is partnering with Dream It Do It Western New York to support efforts to build a talent pipeline into manufacturing careers. Representatives of Blackstone Advanced Technologies officially endorsed the Dream It Do It Advanced Manufacturing Program (DIDIAMP) Certification. The certification is a regionally recognized manufacturers credential that has been designed by the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier in collaboration with students, teachers, counselors, principals and funders.
The certification requires students to engage manufacturing technology camps and manufacturing technology tours, acquire work experience in a manufacturing facility, demonstrate a strong work ethic, participate in manufacturing career cluster courses while in school and graduate from high school. Students as young as 13 years old can enroll in the DIDIAMP and start their journey toward the certification.
The DIDAMP is designed to connect, engage, enrich, challenge and reward students on their way to manufacturing career pathways. Students enrolled in the program earn and accumulate electronic badges that can lead to one of four belt level certifications at graduation.
“We have worked with Dream It Do It to engage with students through tours of our facility and by participating in camps and events,” stated Heather Turner, Owner/President of Blackstone Advanced Technologies and Ulrich Fabrication. “The Dream It Do It Advanced Manufacturing Program Certification is a valuable resource in that it helps students showcase their talents and interests while enabling our company to connect and recruit them into career opportunities that we offer. We see the program as an essential part of our strategy to build a talent pipeline to careers here at Blackstone Advanced Technologies.”
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Blackstone Advanced Technologies toward building even stronger relationships among schools and strengthening connections between students and manufacturers,” stated Todd Tranum, President of DIDWNY and Executive Director of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier.
ABOUT: DIDIWNY is energizing and building the early talent pipeline. DIDIWNY is an initiative powered by the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturers Alliance and the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier. To learn more about DIDIWNY go to www.didiwny.com or contact Cindy Aronson at caronson@didiwny.com.