It is immensely rewarding for Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) teacher Bill Rakonczay when he hears how his class, at the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center, helps his graduates land high-paying and in-demand careers in the field. Recently, Anthony Cercone, a 2023 graduate and a SkillsUSA gold medalist, shared with his former teacher that he was recently hired by Edwards Vacuum in Genesee County as a Manufacturing Engineer. “For him to be 20 years old, making a high paying salary, not having any college debt and working for a great company is so gratifying as a teacher,” says Rakonczay. “There is definitely an industry-wide problem with finding skilled workers and there is so much opportunity for my students to launch careers right out of high school. I am so proud of Anthony!”
The $300 million-dollar 250,000 square foot state-of-the-art factory recently opened in the town of Alabama and is part of the semiconductor superhighway in upstate New York. The factory will create and supply dry-pump vacuum technology for companies like Micron and will be used in everything from cell phones, AI to computers. Anthony says he is excited about his new position where he will be supporting the Tooling Department. “I remember when I was in high school at Lockport and my guidance counselor recommending that I take a close look at the AME class since I wanted to be a machinist. It was great. Through the program, I learned the basics of machining and the soft skills that are required in the workforce. I had great opportunities to shadow at local companies and soon realized my ability partnered with availability was my best asset." He says joining SkillsUSA was a huge highlight for him during his high school career. The workforce development organization helps in professional development and students compete against the best of the best at competitions. "I took third place at the regional competition and then got gold medals at the state and national level. It was an amazing opportunity.”
Dan Papsidero, General Manager of Edwards Vacuum, says he is grateful to places like Orleans/Niagara BOCES who can provide a talent pipeline for employees for the new facility which will have its grand opening this fall. “We have about 30 positions available at the moment for CNC machining and super manufacturing positions at the WNY STAMP (Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park). We fully anticipate a continued expansion with over 100 more jobs needed by the end of the year and are looking for local talent to hire. Many of our roles are entry level, and we are looking for staff who have either attended are certified in the trades, a BOCES graduate or have an associate's or bachelor degree. We encourage people with that skill set to go to our website and apply.”
“Taking the Orleans/Niagara BOCES program changed my life for the better,” says Cercone. “Not only did I fall in love with machining, Mr. Rakonczay taught me the skills I needed to land at a great company like this. I love coming here every day to this beautiful facility. They are going to have chefs make us meals, a fitness center and a mile long walking track outside of the building. It is amazing to me at the age of 18 I was given everything I need to be where I am today. I cannot thank Mr. Rakonczay enough and thank you to Edwards Vacuum for allowing me this opportunity”