Herkimer County Community College to Launch Free FastTrack Workforce Courses
Herkimer County Community College, in partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College, has announced the launch of its first series of free FastTrack workforce courses for residents in Herkimer County.
These free, short-term courses are open to adults ages 17 and older and are designed to help participants build job-focused skills, connect with local employers, and find work that fits.
Three courses will be offered this summer: Dental Assistant, CNC Machinist, and Restaurant Experience Lab. Courses run between five and ten weeks depending on the course. All courses are offered free of charge.
FastTrack courses are short-term, non-credit workforce training programs designed with input from industry professionals and local employers. The courses help participants gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to take the next step toward employment or continued education.
The expansion of FastTrack to HCCC is made possible through Mohawk Valley Community College and funding awarded by Empire State Development. MVCC received $2.3 million from ESD’s Mohawk Valley Empowers grant program to replicate its successful free, non-credit workforce entry programs at Herkimer County Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, and SUNY Oneonta. Through this partnership, HCCC is able to bring the FastTrack model to Herkimer County residents while expanding access to career-focused training close to home.
The launch of these programs also reflects coordinated partnership at the local level. HCCC’s new Office of Workforce and Economic Development is working closely with Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and Working Solutions to support outreach, participant readiness, and accessibility for prospective participants.
President of Herkimer County Community College, Dr. Terri Grates Day said, “This partnership reflects exactly what community colleges are supposed to do: respond to the needs of our region and create clear pathways to opportunity. FastTrack gives Herkimer County residents access to short-term, high-impact training that can lead directly to employment and career growth. We are proud to work alongside MVCC, BOCES, Working Solutions, and our regional employers to expand workforce development opportunities that strengthen both individuals and our local economy.”
The summer course offerings include:
Dental Assistant
This course prepares participants for entry-level opportunities in dental offices. Students will learn about dental office operations, oral anatomy, clinical and administrative responsibilities, and the role of the dental assistant. Following successful course completion, participants may be eligible to sit for DANB exams.
CNC Machinist
This in-person course introduces participants to the skills and knowledge needed for entry-level manufacturing and machining roles. Participants will build foundational knowledge connected to CNC machining and manufacturing workplace expectations while preparing for opportunities in a field where local employers continue to need skilled workers.
Restaurant Experience Lab This hands-on course is designed for individuals interested in restaurant and hospitality work. Participants will build foundational front-of-house and back-of-house knowledge while learning fundamental skills needed to succeed in the industry. The course provides practical, job-connected learning for those interested in entering or advancing in the food service industry.
Additional programs relating to other industry sectors are scheduled to launch Fall 2026.
Interested Herkimer County residents should contact HCCC's Office of Workforce and Economic Development to learn more and complete the FastTrack interest form.
For more information, contact:
Herkimer County Community College
Office of Workforce and Economic Development
315.866.0300 x 8620
workforcedev@herkimer.edu
https://www.herkimer.edu/academics/workforce-and-economic-development/