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A new round of applications being accepted for GCEDC's Food Processing Training Program

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) announced today that a third round of applications is now available for GCEDC’s Food Processing Training Program <http://www.gcedc.com/index.php/about/workforce-development/>. The program provides individuals with a certification to work in the food processing industry, including many regional food and beverage companies across Western New York. The deadline for submitting applications is April 18.

Applications can be picked up at the Genesee County Career Center at 587 E. Main St., Suite 100, Eastown Plaza in the City of Batavia. The application is also available at the GCEDC Web site (www.gcedc.com <http://www.gcedc.com>). Applicants must be New York State residents, have completed high school or equivalent, and submit an up-to-date resume with their application.

“We want to build off the success of the first classes and get more individuals trained and ready to work in food processing,” said Steve Hyde, president and CEO of the GCEDC. “It is a burgeoning industry in Western New York and especially here in Genesee County with the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park.”

The training program is being funded by an Area Development grant obtained by the GCEDC from the National Fuel Gas Corporation with additional financial support from the Finger Lakes Food Cluster Initiative — funded by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration in the amount of $38,000 or 28 percent of the program.

In addition to receiving a non-credit certificate and certificates in Team Building and OSHA Safety in a Manufacturing Environment from Genesee Community College, participants will receive certificates in Lean Systems Six Sigma Yellow Belt (Rochester Institute of Technology) and Basic Dairy Science & Sanitation Certificate (Cornell University).

“This program is so effective because students get hands-on training, four certificates, and complete mock interviews with real companies at the conclusion,” Hyde said. “Anyone looking for a new career pathway should check out the training program.”

Mark Potwora

The training program is being funded by an Area Development grant obtained by the GCEDC from the National Fuel Gas Corporation....Why is National Fuel Gas Corporation helping funding this...Aren't our fuel bills high enough... National Fuel Gas Corporation should be lowering their rates instead of this ... you would think the funding for this should come from the two yogurt company's who will benefit of this training program..

Mar 29, 2014, 1:43pm Permalink

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