Direct to Work
2026 Programming
Advance 2 Apprenticeship
- Program dates: Aug 17, 2026 – Sep 16, 2026
- Schedule: Monday – Thursday 1:00pm – 5:00pm
- Location: TC3 Main Campus (170 North St. Dryden, NY 13053)
- Interested? Learn more or apply at this link.
- Applications due by August 3
Direct to Work is an industry-led career readiness initiative building talent pipelines to careers in manufacturing. Direct to Work helps un- and underemployed people access training programs and other resources and then earn entry-level jobs with local manufacturers. Community partners work together to help participants address personal barriers to employment while equipping them with the technical and soft skills to be successful in the field.
Advance to Apprenticeship
IAED is proud to be supporting Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) and the Manufacturer’s Talent Institute to pilot an Advance 2 Apprenticeship® program in 2026.
Advance 2 Apprenticeship is a part-time direct-entry pre-apprenticeship training program designed to prepare you for a career in advanced manufacturing. Participants receive classroom and hands-on learning, have the opportunity to visit and interview with participating employers, and take the nationally-recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.
Support is available for transportation and childcare barriers and you can earn up to $1,250 in stipends for reaching program milestones.
Follow the link in the box to the left to apply for Advance 2 Apprenticeship today!
Pathways to Manufacturing
Pathways to Manufacturing is a full-time, five-week training program that blends classroom instruction, team-building exercises, and hands-on experience. It is built on employer engagement: participants spend an entire day with each manufacturer during the program and after graduating, get an interview with their top choice. They also get a $1,000 stipend, OHSA-10 card, and can take the nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.
There are currently no scheduled cohorts for Pathways to Manufacturing.
I’m interested in Advance 2 Appreticeship! What’s next?
- Click the link above to submit an interest form
- Complete an online assessment interview*
- Submit all requested forms
- Follow all registration steps
*Required to participate in the program.
Minimum Requirements:
Age: Must be 18 years or older
Work Authorization: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Educational Background: High School Diploma or GED preferred*.
Skill Proficiency: Ability to read and write. Physically capable of manufacturing work.
Direct to Work – Pathways to Manufacturing Employers
What qualities would make me a good fit for a career in manufacturing?
- Express a genuine interest in manufacturing processes, technologies, and innovations.
- Enjoy solving problems and applying critical thinking skills.
- Being a team player, as manufacturing often involves collaboration and effective communication with colleagues.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Stress the importance of delivering high-quality products and a commitment to maintaining industry standards.
- Convey a sense of pride in contributing to the creation of tangible products and the impact on various industries and communities.
Questions?
General:
Individuals Interested in Participating:
607.273.0005
directtowork@ithacaareaed.org
Employers Interested in Participating:
Contact: Mira Kuroyedov
607.273.0005
mirak@ithacaareaed.org
