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Career Pathways

Employ - subpage header -Career Pathways

Looking for more talent to walk through your doors—and stay there?
Career Pathways is a 2-3 month intensive program that develops a custom career progression for your company—making it easier for you to attract and retain talent, and for us to work with education or training providers to properly build your talent pipeline.

After this program, you will have tangible resources that easily explain each role, the career progression at your company, and the qualifications needed for advancement.

Made possible by a generous grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, the BNP’s Career Pathways initiative is currently working with a select group of employers to develop and perfect the upcoming program.

Start Your Path to a New Career in Buffalo Niagara

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership connects you to local employment opportunities with room for growth and salary advancement. Explore careers by industry below and learn more about each available pathway by viewing its video and job description.

Manufacturing

Company: SoPark | Job: Solder Machine Operator

Bryan Carrasquillo started at SoPark as a cleaner with a deep interest in technology. His managers gave him a chance to learn more about the company and explore career opportunities as part of the manufacturing team. Now, Bryan is a solder machine operator being trained to advance in a high-tech industry. Learn how to start your own career pathway at SoPark by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Tapecon | Job: Machine Operator

Joanne Smith is advancing through a career that started as a job. As a Machine Operator at Tapecon, she has become a key influencer within the workforce over the past eight years, becoming a trusted leader at the company. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Tapecon by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Moog | Job: Finisher

Jena Caparrelli started at Moog as a cleaner and showed a willingness to learn and grow with the company. She has been promoted twice in two and a half years, and now helps create high-tech engineering components as a Finisher. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Moog by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Cobey, Inc. | Job: Helper

Nikolas Welshans began his career at Cobey, Inc. as a Second Shift Helper. Now 12 years later, he is a Test Team Leader helping to manufacture components for world-wide clients.  Learn how to start your own career pathway at Cobey, Inc.  by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Sealing Devices - Manufacturing Associate

Harlee Fraker’s goal is to be a Department Lead, and Sealing Devices is providing the training, opportunities, and value system to get her there. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Sealing Devices by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Calspan - Technician Multiple Disciplines

Jason Pelz came to Calspan 13 years ago from an automotive repair background, starting as an Associate Technician. Today, he is an Operations Manager on a leadership track, helping Calspan drive innovation in the aerospace, defense and automotive industries. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Calspan by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Commercial Driving

Company: Try-It Distributing | Job: CDL Class A Delivery Driver

Over 22 years ago, Jeremy Clark started working at Try-It Distributing’s warehouse. As part of a strong team-first culture, he earned his Commercial Driver’s License, building strong customer relationships along the way. Jeremy is now a leader in the Driving Department, providing a successful example to new drivers.  Learn how to start your own career pathway at Try-It Distributing by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Healthcare / Human Services

Company: People Inc. | Job: Direct Support Professional

Niq Huling has always cared deeply for others, and she joined People Inc. to put her compassion to work. After just four months as Direct Support Professional, she was promoted to Team Leader and continues to grow with the company while impacting the lives of her clients every day. Learn how to start your own career pathway at People Inc. by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Kaleida Health | Job: Medical Assistant

Bobby Bojic started as a Kaleida Health Medical Assistant and found a passion for patient care. Now, as a Registered Nurse, Bobby impacts people’s lives every day as part of Western New York’s largest healthcare provider. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Kaleida Health by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Horizon Health Services | Job: Counselor

Ty Adams is using his master’s degree in clinical social work in service to others at Horizon Health Services as a Counselor. Every day, Ty has new opportunities to provide hope and healing to individuals dealing with substance use and/or mental health disorders. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Horizon Health Services by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Company: Independent Health | Customer Service Representative

Kevina Collins started as an entry level Customer Service Representative at Independent Health with a focus on helping people and getting the job done. Now over 13 years and multiple promotions later, Kevina is an Independent Health Business Architect, helping the company innovate and to serve the Western New York Community.

Learn how to start your own career pathway at Independent Health by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Automotive

Company: AAA | Job: Roadside Assistance Technician

Dan Fisher has always cared about helping people. Becoming a AAA Roadside Technician allowed him to put his passion to work and grow into an exciting managerial position. Learn how to start your own career pathway at AAA by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Company: Dunn Tire | Job: Tire Technician

Bobby Ziolkowski started as a Tire Technician at Dunn Tire, while still in high school. Over ten years later, Bobby has been promoted and has leadership positions in his sights. Learn how to start your own career at Dunn Tire by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Company: West Herr | Job: Apprentice Technician

Chelse Pries started in an entry level position with the West Herr Automotive Group through a Erie Community College cooperative automotive program. By putting her training to work, and showing a passion for her new career, Chelse is now a full time Automotive Technician and is on her way to becoming a mentor on her team. Learn how to start your own career pathway at West Herr by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Company: West Herr | Job: Sales Consultant

Kelly Hartway started her career at the West Herr Automotive Group as a salesperson 18 years ago. Today, she is a Sales Consultant, one of the top performers in the entire company, and a proud team leader. Learn how to start your own career pathway at the West Herr Automotive Group by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Customer Service

Company: Travelers | Job: Customer Care Associate

Stephanie Lee and Khadijah McCaw started at Travelers without insurance experience. Their genuine desire to help people through life’s unpredictable moments is now leading them to new leadership opportunities and rewarding careers.  Learn how to start your own career pathway at Travelers by watching this short video and clicking the job description tab.

Construction

Company: Frey Electric | Job: Assistant Project Manager

Ronald Solazzo had experience in general contracting but wanted to take his next professional step in a specialized field. Now, Ronald is gaining experience as Project Manager at Frey Electric Construction Company, building both transformative projects and his career in the process. Learn how to start your own career pathway at Frey Electric Construction by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Information Technology

Company: MVP | Job: Business Development Associate

Priscilla Ouattara started in an entry level position at MVP Network Consulting, helping clients with technological issues. In just three years, Priscilla has been promoted twice and is building an exciting career in Information Technology. Learn how to start your own career at MVP by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

Utilities

Company: National Fuel | Job: Meter Reader

Byron Banks was just looking for a job five years ago but found a career at National Fuel. He combined the training he received as a Meter Reader with hard work and education and was promoted to Serviceman. Now, he is on a managerial track with many opportunities in front of him. Learn how to start your own career pathway at National Fuel by watching this short video and clicking on the job description tab.

From the Blog

Navigating Shifting Workplace Norms: Panel Discussion

By mcotter@thepartnership.org | October 12, 2023

The workplace landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses aiming to attract and retain top talent. In the final session of our 4-part Hidden Talent series, we brought together a panel of industry experts to shed light on these critical shifts and provide actionable insights for employers.

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How the U.S. Is Closing the Door to Top Talent

By communications@thepartnership.org | August 17, 2023

The BNP organized a Capital Conversations event as part of our Government Affairs series to examine the workings of the H-1B program and explore potential reforms that could strengthen our regional economy.

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Successfully Engaging Non-Traditional Talent

By mcotter@thepartnership.org | August 2, 2023

Uncovering and Cultivating Hidden Talent Series: Session 3 – Talent Hiding in Plain Sight

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Keeping talent from moving on, by creating pathways to move up

By communications@thepartnership.org | May 31, 2023

Uncovering and Cultivating Hidden Talent Series: Session 2 – Talent on the Move

Keeping and growing talent is key to any high-performing organization. But what can you do to keep employees from walking out your door for new opportunities?

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Healthcare / Human Services