Barbara Reer, SUNY Ulster Assistant Dean for Workforce, Career Development, and Apprenticeship Initiatives

Manufacturing Matters with The Council of Industry

In this podcast episode, Harold King, President of the Council of Industry, sits down with Barbara Reer, SUNY Ulster Assistant Dean for Workforce, Career Development, and Apprenticeship Initiatives.

SUNY Ulster is a student-centered institution providing learning in an environment of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and cultural appreciation. Their classes are held days, evenings, weekends, and online, in both traditional and accelerated formats to prepare students for entry into growing careers or transfer to four-year colleges to complete further degrees. They are recognized for their robust programs including veterinary technology, graphic and fine arts, STEM, criminal justice, nursing, and surveying technology.

Harold and Barbara in this episode discuss the important work that has been done over the years. SUNY Ulster has developed various programs to meet the evolving needs of local manufacturers and their workforce. One notable program is their Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS), which prepares graduates for specific career pathways in manufacturing, offering an alternative to traditional bachelor's degrees. Barbara explains how they've tailored their programs to accommodate the needs of their community, particularly for older adults or individuals who prefer not to pursue a bachelor's degree but still require education to secure a well-paying job. The AOS program, along with two new certificate programs, is providing students with valuable skills in advanced manufacturing, including CNC machining. The conversation also delves into SUNY Ulster's commitment to flexibility and student success. The college is dedicated to accommodating adult learners, providing embedded tutors in the classroom to offer additional support, and allowing students to customize their educational journey based on their needs and the needs of their employers. Barbara discusses the growth of apprenticeship programs in the region, the challenges they face in addressing the skills gap, and SUNY Ulster's efforts to align their programs with the requirements of local manufacturers. She also talks about the expanding role of microcredentials in their curriculum, showcasing how SUNY Ulster is adapting to the ever-changing landscape of workforce development.

For more information about SUNY Ulster and their programs visit their website at sunyulster.edu.

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The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.