September 23, 2025 by Amy Stage, Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Development, MACNY The manufacturing sector is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological advances and a critical need for a skilled workforce. However, a significant talent pool remains largely untapped: women. Despite their immense potential, women represent a mere 29% of the manufacturing workforce. For the industry's sustained growth and innovation, addressing this imbalance is a strategic imperative that goes beyond mere equality. In response to this pressing need, the Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY), in collaboration with Mohawk Valley Community College and Tooling U-SME, has spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative: the Real Life Rosies program. This innovative program is designed to empower women to pursue fulfilling careers in manufacturing by providing comprehensive manufacturing learning, nationally recognized certifications, and direct pathways to apprenticeships and employment. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Amy Stage, Director of Apprenticeship and Workforce Development at MACNY, and Greg Surtman, Workforce Development Manager at Tooling U-SME, as part of SME Insights, an ongoing series of conversations with workforce leaders taking place within the Mission Critical: Workforce 2030 experience at SME’s 2025 events. In an engaging conversation, they shared compelling insights into the “Real Life Rosies” program, highlighting its remarkable success and pivotal role in shaping the future of women in manufacturing. A Vision for Inclusivity: The Genesis of Real Life Rosies Stage explained that the Real Life Rosies program was born out of an important observation: a noticeable scarcity of women in manufacturing companies across New York. Recognizing the impending talent gap and the need for more creative solutions for talent acquisition, two years ago, MACNY applied for and received a grant from the Economic State Strategic Development Center in New York. The goal was to create a direct-entry program specifically for women in advanced manufacturing that would equip them with the skills and confidence to thrive in the industry. The program aims to introduce women to the diverse opportunities within manufacturing, covering a wide range of essential processes and skills, including safety protocols, CNC machining, hand tool usage, robotics, and lean manufacturing principles. The Real Life Rosies Experience: Earn While You Learn The Real Life Rosies program is a 12-week, intensive pre-apprenticeship program that offers participants a unique "earn while you learn" model. There are no costs for participants to enroll, as tuition is covered by the grant and contributions from community colleges. Participants receive stipends and access to supportive services, including assistance with childcare and transportation, removing significant barriers to participation. This holistic approach ensures that women from all backgrounds can access this transformative opportunity. A core component of the program involves participants engaging in basic manufacturing skill learning, coupled with dedicated "power skills" training one day a week. This blend of technical and professional development ensures that participants are proficient in their roles but also possess the soft skills necessary for career advancement. One of the most compelling aspects of the Real Life Rosies program is its direct pathway to employment. At the conclusion of the 12 weeks, participants engage in company tours and are guaranteed job interviews with up to six local manufacturers. This direct link to employers is a testament to the program's effectiveness in preparing job-ready candidates. As Stage said, "These women are walking right into jobs after 12 weeks." Sourcing Talent and Celebrating Success Surtman was particularly interested in how MACNY is identifying and recruiting participants for the program. Stage highlighted the crucial role of their partners, particularly Mohawk Valley Community College, which provides instructional learning and actively assists with recruitment. The program also taps into community-based organizations, especially those working with the large refugee resettlement population in the Mohawk Valley. This outreach ensures that the program reaches a diverse group of women, offering them a pathway to meaningful employment and skill development. Participants come from various backgrounds, including fast-food industries or entry-level manufacturing positions. The program serves as a crucial stepping stone, allowing them to upskill and transition into more advanced roles. Stage shared a powerful success story that exemplifies the program's impact. One individual, whom Stage described as “the poster child” for Real Life Rosies, was already working at a manufacturing company but felt unsure about her next career steps. After learning about Real Life Rosies from HR, she enrolled. Within a few months of completion, she entered a registered apprenticeship program and is now graduating from the industrial manufacturing technician, so she’ll receive her journey worker. This individual's experience underscores how the program acts as a springboard, building confidence and providing a clear trajectory for career growth. The Role of Online Learning and Industry-Recognized Certifications A significant enhancement to the Real Life Rosies program is the incorporation of online learning from Tooling U-SME, specifically leading to SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) certification. As Surtman said, “With the CMfgA certification, they are learning foundational skills around safety, inspection, and math, which are critical skills walking in the door to a new manufacturer.” This nationally recognized certification further validates the skills acquired by the participants, making them even more attractive to employers. The program also offers participants the opportunity to earn their OSHA 10 certification, further solidifying their understanding of workplace safety. The program attracts a diverse range of employers, from small manufacturing firms to companies operating in the semiconductor and supply chain industries. These employers are keen to hire Real Life Rosies graduates into entry-level positions with clear career pathways for advancement into more advanced roles. Scaling Up for Greater Impact The success of the Real Life Rosies program in Mohawk Valley has not gone unnoticed. Recognizing its immense potential, MACNY received additional funds last year to pilot the program with incumbent workers in two other areas of New York, yielding positive results. The exciting news is that the program is now set to expand throughout the state over the next three years, primarily along the I-90 corridor and other strategic locations. This expansion will involve engaging more community colleges and training centers, building upon existing relationships with manufacturers' alliance partners across the state. The goal is to leverage these established networks to further enhance and build upon the program's success, creating a robust pipeline of skilled female apprentices for the manufacturing sector. The Real Life Rosies program is more than just a training initiative; it's a movement to reshape the manufacturing workforce, making it more inclusive, diverse, and resilient. By investing in women and providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, MACNY, Mohawk Valley Community College, and Tooling U-SME are changing individual lives while strengthening the entire manufacturing ecosystem in that region. Watch the full interview with Amy Stage and Greg Surtman below. For more information on how SME can support your workforce development initiatives, contact us today.
