About Dream It Do It

The Workforce Challenge/Opportunity

Manufacturing is the third largest industry sector in the Western New York region. The five-county region of Western New York including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara County served by Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) includes over 1,615 manufacturers, employing 70,000 people and generating $26.8 billion in manufacturing shipments per year. Manufacturing the WNY region accounts for 12% of the total workforce which is well beyond the 8% national average. Over the next 10 years, industry estimates indicate that, due to retirements and growth , there will be a substantial shortage of qualified employees to fill this gap. Without a concerted effort through a private, public and education partnership to address the manufacturing workforce demand, the Western New York economy will be devastated, leaving manufacturers unable to produce, grow, and meet the challenges of competing in our global economy.

Among the priority skilled job categories are welding, machining, electro-mechanical technician, mechanics, quality assurance inspecting, and electrical and production operations. The average salary in these roles is $50,000 in addition to health insurance, retirement and paid vacation benefits.

An up-turn in the economy, compounded by the re-shoring of manufacturing has helped the sector rebound and gain strength in Western New York. A reinvigorated manufacturing sector will require a skilled workforce to continue this growth pattern. Dream It Do It Western New York (DIDIWNY) is addressing the workforce needs of manufacturers through the coordination of stakeholders and resources.

Throughput: Reaching Students & Educators

Since its inception in 2009 Dream It Do It Western New York 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.

Data through June 30, 2023

Outcomes: Changing Perceptions & Increasing the Availability of Workers

Changing Perceptions

While the common perception of young people and the community in general is that manufacturing is dirty, dark and dangerous, Dream It Do It in our region is changing that view of manufacturing.

Each program implemented by Dream It Do It surveys its participants to understand how the interaction influenced the perceptions of those participating.

Typical before and after survey outcome from DIDI programming.

Dream It Do It WNY Mission and Vision

Dream It Do It Western New York is proactively responding to the workforce challenges faced by manufacturers. Our mission is to increase the skilled workforce pipeline entering manufacturing careers.

The Dream It Do It manufacturing career initiative is a program of the Manufacturers Association of the Southern Tier, with a vision to provide local manufacturers with a labor force that has the skill and training levels required to meet their demands.

We Align Resources: Bringing together key stakeholders within a system that is result driven as well as sustainable, and meets the needs of the employer.

We Identify Program Development Needs: Through primary, secondary and technical schools we identify and advise the development of necessary training and education opportunities that help sustain manufacturing.

We Implement a Comprehensive Communication Strategy: Through paid advertising, social media and earned media opportunities the Dream It Do It Initiative spreads its message throughout the region promoting a clear understanding of high value, advanced, hi-tech manufacturing and its enormous contribution to innovation, productivity, economic growth, wealth building and high quality jobs.

We Coordinate Activities: We implement grass roots activities that include: industry tours, interactive project based programming and outreach to school systems. These functions are structured as learning activities that expose young people to the world of manufacturing.

Advanced Manufacturing Program

Dream It Do It Western New York Implements the Advanced Manufacturing Program

For Manufacturers: Early Talent Pipeline, Validation and Recruitment Resources

DIDIAMP provides a platform for manufacturers to:

Identify early talent
Reduce the risk associated with hiring early talent
Decrease recruitment, onboarding and training costs

Through DIDIAMP manufacturers can identify early talent that demonstrates:

Interest in manufacturing careers
Engagement in manufacturing technology programming
Teamwork
Work Ethic
Skill Attainment

For Students: Engaging, Enriching, Challenging & Rewarding Opportunities

Students in the DIDIAMP get to do cool stuff:

Fun hands-on event programming at not cost to the student
Opportunities to visit local manufacturers, see new technology, learn about products made locally and explore career opportunities.
Earn badges and achieve a Belt Level at graduation.
Highlight achievements starting in middle school all the way through high school.
Research scholarships, training, colleges and careers.
Connect with employers.
Move to the top of the list for open job opportunities in manufacturing.
And more!

For Parents: Connect Your Child to a Rewarding Career Pathway

Your child can get started on a rewarding career pathway through DIDIAMP at no cost to you and start to:

Create a portfolio of their skills and accomplishments while exploring career opportunities.
Enter classes at their shcool that teach fundamental manufacturing skills.
Participate in DIDI events and programming to start earning electronic badges.
Have the fundamentals of a good ethic reinforced through their learning.
Engage with employers through a variety of programming including job experiences in the manufacturing workplace.
Accumulate electronic badges and achieve a DIDIAMP belt level at graduation, receive acknowledgement for their accomplishments and position them well for a career, further education or both in manufacturing technology.

Who is going to get this done?

Supporting and growing our manufacturing sector will be achieved through private, public and educational partnerships such as Dream It Do It. We are all in this together and you can be part of the solution. By partnering with Dream It Do It, you have the opportunity to introduce your students to excellent career opportunities in the manufacturing sector. There are educational pathways available right here in the region that can help your students access affordable, high-quality education that leads directly to career.

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