Jackie Greene, community outreach liaison with the Goodskills Career Builder Program, recently spoke with members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

The program offers a four-week intensive training designed to help individuals prepare for full-time jobs in manufacturing. The program is free for participants from Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, and Niagara counties. It provides technical skills and credentials, helping people transition from unemployment or underemployment to higher-paying careers.

The program also offers hands-on experience with partnering companies and connections to hiring employers in Jamestown and WNY. Notable training partners include JCC, Rand, Arro Manufacturing, and Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, while hiring partners include Weber Knapp, Cummins, Blackstone, New Flyer, and TitanX.

Participants also set long-term career and financial goals with the support of career coaches, and they receive paid hands-on work experience. Graduates can attend hiring events or explore advanced training placement opportunities.

Rhonda Johnson said Weber Knapp currently employs two program graduates.