Workforce Development
IAED develops and delivers industry-driven career readiness training programs that address workforce needs in priority sectors like construction and manufacturing.
We partner with industry and workforce development leaders to establish strong, sustainable talent pipelines and build a more inclusive, equitable workforce.
Industry Partnership Model
IAED’s workforce training programs are based on the Industry Partnership model. Industry Partnerships connect quality workers with local employers that offer competitive wages, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
01 Stakeholders
A unique group of key partners who will oversee the initative.
02 Goals
Established objectives that address key workforce issues in Tompkins County.
03 Mission Statement
An agreed upon statement that clearly defines the purpose and goals of a community-wide workforce initiative.
04 Partnership – Based Strategies
Identified strategies that adress labor supply shortage, skill gaps, barrier mitigation, and access to career pathways.
05 Dual Client Commitment
A dynamic collaboration of employers, stakeholders, and community partners that have a shared commitment to job quality. This group convenes regularly with the assistance of a workforce intermediary (IAED).
06 Industry Partnership Model
A model that believes both employers and workersare the target and seek to align the needs of both groups.
Direct to Work – Pathways to Manufacturing is a full-time, 5-week training program designed to prepare participants for successful careers in the manufacturing industry. The program integrates classroom instruction, team-building exercises, and hands-on experience, with a strong emphasis on employer engagement.
Direct to Work participants visit each manufacturer’s facility during the program and, upon graduating, are guaranteed an interview with their top-choice employer. Graduates also receive a $1,000 stipend, an OSHA-10 card, and the opportunity to take the nationally recognized Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) exam.
Tompkins Build – Pathways to Apprenticeship equips individuals with the resources, training, and confidence to launch successful careers in the construction industry. Developed in partnership with the Tompkins Cortland Building Trades Council, it is an 11-week paid training program that offers a unique opportunity to explore and prepare for union career paths.
Tompkins Build includes a comprehensive blend of hands-on experience, classroom learning following the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), and field trips to local union training centers. Participants gain foundational skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and build valuable connections within the construction trades. Instruction is delivered by active union members, providing participants with insights and mentorship directly from professionals in the field.
