Herkimer County Community College named an Approved Instruction Provider for the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program at FIS

Herkimer County Community College recently became an approved related instruction provider for the New York State (NYS) Registered Apprenticeship Program at Fiber Instrument Sales (FIS).

One of seven affiliate companies under Giotto Enterprises, FIS is a leading manufacturer of fiber optic components and test equipment for the telecom and datacom industries.

Apprentices gain practical skills, certifications, and career advancement while the company benefits from a skilled, tailored workforce through both on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. Apprentices work in a variety of departments, learning trades such as sales, manufacturing, technology, marketing, customer service, accounting, purchasing/procurement, engineering, and research and development.

Representatives from Herkimer College recently met with 16 of the 26 apprentices currently in the FIS program to discuss a variety of course and program opportunities available on campus and online. The tuition cost is waived due to funding through the Department of Labor.

 “We have one of the region's largest apprenticeship programs in the private sector, manufacturing arena, and we are very proud of that,” said VP of Organizational Development and Human Resources Mark Cushman. “The key to this is to give them a destination, locally.”

The partnership was facilitated by College President Terri Grates Day who pursued the designation with Giotto Enterprises. “This is an exciting partnership, and we look forward to providing quality, flexible instruction to help advance our regional workforce,” said Grates Day.

Cushman said the company plans to continue expanding program enrollment and trade areas, as well as strengthening partnerships with educational institutions.

For more information about Giotto Enterprises, visit www.giottoenterprises.com.