Overview:
University at Buffalo’s Center for Industrial Effectiveness in conjunction with Alfred State College is proud to announce a new Entry-level Manufacturing Technician (EMT) training program. The EMT training program equips trainees with the fundamental skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to thrive in a dynamic manufacturing setting. It emphasizes technical proficiency, workplace safety, operational efficiency, and professional standards to support consistent, high-quality production.
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Program Objectives:
By the end of the Entry-Level Manufacturing Technician (EMT) Training Program, participants will:
1. Understand the Role of an EMT – Gain a clear understanding of the responsibilities, expectations, and impact of an entry-level manufacturing technician.
2. Follow Workplace Safety Protocols – Learn essential safety procedures, proper equipment operation, and emergency response techniques.
3. Operate Manufacturing Tools and Technology – Develop hands-on experience using industry-specific tools, machinery, and production systems.
4. Ensure Quality Control and Efficiency – Learn to monitor product quality, maintain production standards, and troubleshoot common manufacturing issues.
5. Build Essential Workplace Skills – Strengthen teamwork, time management, and communication abilities to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
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Key Training Components:
1. Work Readiness and Professional Skills
• Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills for a manufacturing environment.
• Gain job search skills, financial literacy, and workplace professionalism.
2. Introduction to Manufacturing Tools and Equipment
• Learn to safely operate measurement, fastening, cutting, and shaping tools.
• Understand the proper use of impact, clamping, and lubrication tools.
3. Fundamentals of Mechanics
• Explore kinetic, gravitational, and potential energy concepts in manufacturing.
• Safely operate mechanical systems and apply Newton’s Laws of Motion.
4. Pneumatics and Hydraulics
• Differentiate between pneumatic and hydraulic systems and their applications.
• Learn to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot fluid power systems safely.
5. Introduction to Electricity
• Understand electrical circuits, conductors, insulators, and power measurement.
• Apply Ohm’s Law and safely operate electrical components like switches and fuses.
6. Industrial Motors and Motor Controls
• Identify common industrial motors, their components, and motor control systems.
• Learn to read schematics, troubleshoot circuits, and understand variable frequency drives (VFDs).
7. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Gain hands-on experience with PLC systems, ladder logic, and industrial automation.
• Connect sensors, switches, and actuators while troubleshooting control systems.
8. Process Control and Industrial Automation
• Understand open vs. closed-loop control systems and automation principles.
• Learn process troubleshooting, system tuning, and industrial control applications.
9. Robotics in Manufacturing
• Explore the differences between industrial robots and collaborative robots (cobots).
• Learn about robotic safety, programming basics, and real-world applications.
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Dates & Duration:

October 26, 2026- December 22, 2026

The program runs for approximately 8 weeks, 6 hours per day, totaling 240 hours, followed by a 160-hour paid internship at a regional manufacturing facility.
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Target Audience:
This program is ideal for individuals 18 and older who are looking to start or transition into a hands-on career in manufacturing. It’s a great fit for recent graduates, career changers, veterans, and underemployed or underrepresented individuals seeking in-demand skills and job opportunities in a growing industry.
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Assessment and Certification:
• Participants will be assessed through practical demonstrations, knowledge tests, and instructor evaluations.
• A certificate of completion will be awarded upon successfully meeting all program objectives.
• Students who fully complete the program will be able to utilize transfer of credit for prior learning at Alfred State College or can apply for credit for transfer at other SUNY institutions.

About University at Buffalo’s Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) and Alfred State College:
TCIE is a continuing and professional education university center focused on workforce development and operational excellence. As an industry outreach arm for the UB School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, TCIE is well connected with the regions’ employers, community-based organizations, training providers, community colleges, and technical schools. As an active contributor in workforce development, TCIE works with industry to assess workforce needs, develop, and deliver seated, multi-modal curriculum that increases the size of qualified applicant pool, creating greater economic impact, and greater employment opportunities for the community.
School of Applied Technology at Alfred State College is the premier technology campus for hands on learning and skilled trades in Western New York. The campus faculty are leaders themselves in the skilled trades and have a wide depth of knowledge and experience themselves that is brought to the classroom. The hands-on learning approach for the trades is a desirable learning platform for students to build upon and a solid level of foundation and work ethic which employers demand.