An Education That Works for Your Child
You can just tell when your child knows what works for them — and when they’d benefit from some guidance or a little inspiration. This becomes especially apparent as they begin to plan their future. Four years of college isn’t always a surefire bet, and in some cases, your child realizes that it’s not the best route to achieving their dreams.
Whether they’re saying, “That’s exactly where I want to be!” or “Maybe, but I’m not sure yet,” Western New York Works helps them define their next steps through career and technical education that directs their interests to the industries driving our region.
From skills that get them in the door to credits that stack toward associate and bachelor’s degrees, our programs allow your child to build an individual, rewarding path that will take them plenty of places.
Career Opportunities in Western New York (WNY)
Rising statistics and a look across our region paint the same picture: Companies in WNY are recruiting people who know how to fix and build things or care for our population. A certificate or associate degree in one of these fields can get your child on staff and earning a paycheck.
The ROI of Career and Technical Education
$5K-$15K
Total for training, compared to $15K+ per year at an in-state college.
2.1M
Unfilled manufacturing jobs are projected by 2030.
Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute
$50K-$80K+
Average salaries for trade professionals.
Why Encourage Your Child to Go Into the Trades?
Over the past few decades, schools have steered students away from career and technical education (CTE) and toward four-year colleges. Rising debt and a changing economy have started to reverse this trend: According to a study from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association (SMACNA), 89% of parents are open to their high school-age child pursuing a future in the trades.
If you’re still on the fence (or need reassurance), consider these points:
Not an Either/Or Option
Short-term education gets your child up to speed and into the workforce. Later, their certificate or associate degree can become a stepping stone toward bigger and better things — like completing a bachelor’s to qualify for supervisory roles.
A Fast Route to a Good Job
Six months to two years of career-focused training sends your child toward a steady salary.
Get to Know Our Schools
Our coalition of State University of New York (SUNY) schools develops job training programs that work for the Buffalo-Rochester region, including career and technical education for current high schoolers and recent graduates.
Why Should Your Child Attend a WNY Works Career Training Program?
Quality, hands-on and local career training programs make it easy to make a future in the trades. This is what Western New York Works offers:
Top-Ranked Training
Our schools score high for the education they provide and the outcomes they deliver.
Small Classes
A ratio of 15 or 16 students per faculty member results in more personalized, hands-on instruction.
Affordable
Scholarships, financial aid packages and dual-enrollment discounts reduce already-low tuition rates, placing job training within your budget.
Hands-On Innovators
Alfred State College was the first SUNY school to include applied learning and hands-on experience in every major. Today, all WNY Works programs incorporate simulations, projects and in-the-field training.
Campus Life
All WNY Works schools offer on-campus living, a wide range of student organizations and involvement opportunities — and even study abroad programs!
Support
Whether for accessibility or a tutoring session, help and guidance abound across WNY Works’ campuses.
Perspectives From Our Students
Visit a WNY Works College
Reserve your spot on an upcoming tour, or explore our campuses virtually.
Applying to Our Programs
Let your child start career and technical education whenever they’re ready, including from their freshman year at a P-Tech partner, via dual enrollment or after they graduate.
High School Programs
Your child can receive a hands-on introduction to the trades right from their high school or on a WNY Works campus.
Post-High School Programs
An application is all it takes for eagerness to become experience.
Connect and Stay Involved
There’s support for everyone at WNY Works colleges. Connect your child with all the resources available, or find a community of parents and families like you.
Alfred State College
Genesee Community College
Jamestown Community College
Make a Future That Works
Guide your child toward the life they want.