UTICA, NY (July 27, 2023)—On Point for College is excited to announce a new dedicated Career Advisor position, funded by NBT Bank, that will focus on developing and empowering prospective students to earn the skills needed for a successful career in the New York microchip manufacturing industry.
On Point Executive Director Samuel Rowser said, “We’re passionate about adding this focus on the microchip manufacturing industry. We know that we need to be preparing youth now for these high-paying, skilled jobs that we anticipate in the very near future. By working with regional educators and companies, we will be able to develop a critical pipeline of students to help ensure our region is positioned for future success.”
The Career Advisor will connect with students, educators, businesses and economic development organizations in the Mohawk Valley and Central New York regions to build pathways for local students to apply for certification programs, or 2-year or 4-year degree programs that will provide the necessary training and skills for the microchip and semiconductor industries.
NBT Bank President & CEO John H. Watt, Jr. said, “New York has seen an influx of investment into the microchip industry which has accelerated over the last three years. At the same time our communities are celebrating this, studies show that there is an anticipated skilled labor shortage in the semiconductor industry. NBT is honored to support On Point in this effort to ensure that the communities we serve are positioned to benefit from the microchip investments.”
Current On Point advisor, Zachary Berle, has been promoted to fill this new position. A Utica native, Berle’s commitment to local students and background in the area enables him to quickly establish the program’s presence and make important regional connections to ensure its success. Berle holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from SUNY Oswego. Prior to joining On Point for College, he specialized in career placement and professional development at The Arc, Oneida-Lewis Chapter first as an Employment Specialist and later as a Mental Health Program Coordinator. Berle has a lifelong passion for technology and for helping others learn to navigate it. He looks forward to drawing on his professional background and interest in technology to help prepare students for jobs in the microchip and semiconductor industries.
Pictured L to R: On Point Director of Career Services Tealye Pinet, On Point Utica Director Kevin Marken, On Point Executive Director Samuel Rowser, NBT Bank President and CEO John H. Watt, Jr., On Point Career Services Advisor Zachary Berle, NBT Bank Regional President David Kavney, and NBT Bank President of Commercial Lending Sarah Halliday.
About On Point
On Point for College is a nonprofit education and career attainment program. It helps students pursue a range of post-secondary educational goals including 2 and 4-year college degrees, certificate, trade, and training programs. On Point has offices in Syracuse and Utica, New York, but its free services are available to individuals ages 17+ living in Cayuga, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Oswego counties. Since 1999, On Point has helped more than 4,500 students earn more than 5,500 college degrees and since 2008, it has also worked to help students leverage their skills and educations into paid internships and jobs. More information about On Point is available online at www.onpointforcollege.org.
About NBT Bank
NBT Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth management services from locations in seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. The bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp., are headquartered in Norwich, NY. NBT Bancorp had assets of $11.84 billion as of March 31, 2023 and is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. More information about NBT is available online at www.nbtbank.com. Member FDIC.
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