The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) and the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) hosted their third annual Women in Manufacturing Summit earlier this week at NextCorps in downtown Rochester.

The summit attracted more than 125 students and faculty in person, with dozens more attending virtually.

The Women in Manufacturing Summit is part of National Apprenticeship Week. The event included networking, lunch and a panel discussion with experts from local advanced manufacturing companies.

According to the US Department of Commerce, women make up nearly half of the total workforce, but only 29% of the manufacturing workforce. The National Association of Manufacturing has launched initiatives to bring that number up to 35% by 2030.

“RTMA and FLYAP are proud to host the Women in Manufacturing Summit as an effort to introduce more young women to careers, apprenticeships and training programs in advanced manufacturing,” said Keri Martin, RTMA Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator. “As a former educator, I see the importance of connecting more young women to pathways that offer low-to-no-cost education and great careers.”

The Women in Manufacturing Summit is part of RTMA’s annual career exploration discussion with local schools and students. The association has connected more than 825 students with job shadows and paid co-ops at more than 125 local businesses through its Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program.

It has also partnered with local government, academia and industry to introduce young people to manufacturing careers at its annual ROC With Your Hands event.

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