Surging Into The Central New York Workforce

Turage Stephenson developed a strong background in electrical work at a young age. While growing up in Florida, he often spent time on the job with his father who was a well-known electrician for high-end homes under construction. "It was hard work in the hot sun, wiring buildings which didn't have air conditioning yet," Stephenson recalled.

After graduating high school, Stephenson went to college and played football at Virginia Union. Eventually life brought him to upstate New York where his desire to create his own identity in the electrical profession led him to the Electromechanical Bootcamp which is part of Syracuse Surge. The four-week introductory paid training program prepares people for careers in high-tech advanced manufacturing. The program covers blueprint reading, industrial math, technical skills, professional development, and one-on-one training with local employers. 

Stephenson and his Syracuse Surge classmates spent the first week focused on professional development training with Matt Tarolli, Coordinator of Adult Programs at OCM BOCES. That was followed by three weeks of hands-on lessons in Onondaga Community College's Electromechanical Lab with Professor Mike Grieb, Chair of OCC's School of Career & Applied Technologies. All four weeks of the Electromechanical Bootcamp were held on the OCC campus. "I really loved the program," said Stephenson. "I loved that they brought it to a college and it had a 'college feel.' Everyone was so helpful. When you reached out with an issue, everyone was very responsive. All the instructors were great."

He also benefitted from a grant-funded child care program at the Southwest YMCA on campus which he could bring his 4-year-old daughter to. Going forward, finding an employer whom will allow him to work around his daughter's schedule is critical.  "It's very important. I'd like to get a night shift where I can take her to school, pick her up from school and talk about her day, then go to work."

On the final day, Stephenson and his classmates went through a series of rapid job interviews with employers who came to campus. With that behind him, he now waits for good news.

The Electromechanical Bootcamp was a collaboration between Onondaga Community College, OCM BOCES, CenterState CEO, and the YMCA.