We are happy to announce that NYS Dept. of Labor has approved a new registered apprenticeship: "Butcher"! 

This is the result of the input received in our regional food system working groups, numerous interviews and surveys, data diving, narrative stories, and the momentum that was sparked by last September's Roundtable in Olean, NY that brought forward this dire workforce shortage impacting all parts of the state's farm, ag, and food sectors. 

Well done, all! 

Now we move on to the next phases which include broadening the awareness of this newly registered apprenticeship program and connecting processors and apprentices for the first cohort of this new program. We're sure you have loads of questions! 

We're welcoming you to bring your questions, comments, enthusiasm, and an evening beverage of choice to the Butcher Apprenticeship Open Forum on Thursday, October 2 at 7 pm on Zoom. Partners from New York State Dept. of Labor, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Southern Tier West, and Workforce Development will be in the space to provide an overview of the new program, discuss the roles of hosts and apprentices, review the benefits of hosting an apprentice, and setting the vision for building a corps of highly skilled, modern trained Butchers and validating this career as a skilled trade with respectful earning potential. 

All are welcome to attend!

Please RSVP to either:

    Kimberly LaMendola - klamendola@southerntierwest.org    

Or 

    Amy Barkley - amb544@cornell.edu

When you register, we will send you the meeting link, the Butcher trade outline, and the info booklet for the NYS registered apprenticeship program. 

Please feel free to share this email and the attached flyer with anyone you think will have an interest in learning more.