Melville, NY – The Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA) is proud to launch the IWA FutureReady Program, an initiative designed to equip Long Island and New York City residents with the skills and opportunities needed to enter careers in renewable energy, manufacturing, and drone aviation. Funded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA), this program focuses on developing a homegrown workforce to support local and U.S. domestic job creation.
Program Kickoff Launch Events
The IWA FutureReady Program will officially commence with two program launch events:
- Long Island Launch: Mon., June 23rd, 10:00am – 11:00am (Cradle of Aviation, Garden City, NY)
- New York City Kickoff: July in Harlem (Date and time will be announced in May)
These events will highlight the program’s mission to build a skilled workforce and connect participants with meaningful career opportunities.
About IWA FutureReady
This installment of the IWA FutureReady Program includes 40-hour training sessions held Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm, during 15 one-week sessions across Long Island and New York City starting this upcoming June through 2026. Participants will gain hands-on experience in composite manufacturing, drone applications, and renewable energy technologies while also developing essential job-readiness skills.
To further support participants’ career growth, the program offers connections to internship and apprenticeship opportunities. Additionally, each participant will receive a $400 stipend upon successful completion of their training session.
Phil Rugile, Executive Director for the Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA), stated:
“The IWA FutureReady Program embodies our mission to invest in people and create opportunities that lead to meaningful careers. By building a skilled, local workforce, we’re not only addressing the critical labor shortages across industries but also driving economic growth in communities that need it most.”
Renita Certain, Director of Workforce Education and Training for Local Content, added:
“FutureReady is more than a training program—it’s a launchpad for individuals to thrive in high-demand industries. The team at IWA is intentional about empowering participants with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.” Local Content is providing market deployment support for the training program.
How to Get Involved
- Workforce Candidates: RSVP now for the 2025/2026 FutureReady Program! Training sessions will be hosted across Long Island and New York City boroughs.
- Industry Partners: Register to become guest speakers, prospective employers, and/or host location training partners.
Learn more about Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA)
