Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association

What Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association does

The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA), legally Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association, Inc., is a 501(c)-style nonprofit trade association founded on March 13, 1945 (originally as the Tool, Die, and Special Machinery Association, Inc.), headquartered in West Henrietta, New York. RTMA serves as the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes regional sponsor of the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program (a role held since 2018) and operates a portfolio of workforce development programs targeted at advanced manufacturing employers, including the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program (15+ trades, 325+ apprentices across 40+ companies), the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP; 800+ students matched to ~150 businesses since 2019), Real Life Rosies® (New York's first direct-entry pre-apprenticeship program for women), Advance2Apprenticeship® (pre-apprenticeship for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in partnership with Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities), and the ROC With Your Hands career exploration event. Supporting member services include political advocacy (Coalition for a Prosperous America, Manufacturing Alliance of NYS, Business Council of NYS), manufacturing innovation programming with RIT and Monroe Community College, and exclusive partner benefits (Brown & Brown private health insurance exchange, Paychex PEO HR solutions, Staples Advantage).

RTMA's business model is membership-based: regular membership is offered to advanced manufacturers and associate membership to service-sector businesses, both billed annually with quote-based pricing. Revenue is supplemented by state and philanthropic grants (Empire State Development, ESL Charitable Foundation, RG&E Foundation, Workforce Development Institute, NSF Energy Storage Engine), event sponsorships, and likely affiliate/referral economics from strategic partners. Distribution is direct and regional — focused on the nine-county Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes area — delivered through a small staff (~6 full-time equivalents including Executive Director, Director of Workforce Development, Pre-Apprenticeship and Training Manager, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator, Office Manager, and Communications & Engagement Coordinator). The organization does not sell technology products and does not derive revenue from software, SaaS, or AI/ML offerings.

Name

Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association

Legal name

Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association, Inc.

Website

https://rtma.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RTMA is a 75+ year-old Rochester, NY-based nonprofit trade association serving 150+ advanced manufacturing member companies through NYS Registered Apprenticeship sponsorship, youth and pre-apprenticeship programs (FLYAP, Real Life Rosies, Advance2Apprenticeship), advocacy, and member benefits across the nine-county Finger Lakes region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Manufacturing Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations (8139), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Integrated Education & Training (IET) / Contextualized ABE (Workforce-Linked) (EDAAAAAK)

Keywords

• Manufacturing workforce development
• Apprenticeship program services
• Industry trade association
• Manufacturing advocacy
• Workforce training services

Headquarters

HQ city

West Henrietta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: RTMA generates revenue through annual membership dues from regular members (advanced manufacturers) and associate members (service sector businesses). Membership provides access to apprenticeship programs, networking events, training, advocacy, and exclusive benefits including health insurance options.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

RTMA is a nonprofit trade association that provides workforce development programs, regional sponsorship of the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program, and advocacy services for advanced manufacturing companies in the Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes region. It connects 150+ member manufacturers with apprentices, students, and job seekers through registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship training, youth apprenticeship programs, and exclusive member benefits such as health insurance and HR solutions.

Product overview

The Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) is a membership-based organization offering a portfolio of workforce development programs rather than a single software product. Its core offerings include the NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program (partnering with 35+ companies, supporting 325+ apprentices), the Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP), Real Life Rosies® (women-focused pre-apprenticeship), Advance2Apprenticeship® (I/DD-focused pre-apprenticeship), and ROC With Your Hands career exploration events. Supporting services include political advocacy, manufacturing innovation resources, strategic partnerships with insurance and HR service providers, and educational events like the AI Symposium and Workforce Development Summit.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP): Youth apprenticeship program bridging the gap between education and industry for high school students in the Finger Lakes region.
• Real Life Rosies
• Advance2Apprenticeship (A2A)
• ROC With Your Hands
• NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program

Products and services

• NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program Regional sponsorship of the New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program for advanced manufacturing, partnering with over 35 companies and supporting more than 325 apprentices across the nine-county region in more than 15 trades.
• Finger Lakes Youth Apprenticeship Program (FLYAP) Youth apprenticeship program connecting high school students to advanced manufacturing careers through matching days, facility tours, job shadows, and paid co-ops; has connected more than 825 students to nearly 150 businesses.
• Real Life Rosies Pre-Apprenticeship Program New York's first direct-entry pre-apprenticeship program focused specifically on women in advanced manufacturing, providing no-cost training, industry credentials (CMfgA, OSHA-10), and guaranteed job interviews.
• Advance2Apprenticeship (A2A) Pre-apprenticeship program partnering with the Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities prepare for careers in advanced manufacturing through classroom instruction and hands-on training.
• ROC With Your Hands Annual hands-on career exploration event connecting students in grades 7-12 with careers in advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, automotive technology, and heavy equipment operation.
• Genesee Valley Bootcamp Pre-apprenticeship training program providing debt-free opportunities for participants to gain hands-on manufacturing skills through intensive bootcamp instruction.
• Genesee Valley Welding Bootcamp

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 325 apprentices supported through NYS Registered Apprenticeship Program
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered key, core and supporting.

• Syntec Optics (Nasdaq: OPTX)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 September 2025Syntec Optics partnered with RTMA and Monroe Community College to launch a pioneering NYS certified apprenticeship program for optics and photonics manufacturing, the first of its kind in the United States for nanomachining.
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with RIT for AI symposia, Saunders College of Business programs, College of Engineering collaborations, and exclusive training programs on AI impact in advanced manufacturing. RIT's Golisano Center for Sustainability and Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies support RTMA's innovation initiatives.
• NextCorpskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partnered with NextCorps on the 2nd Annual Workforce Development Summit to support advanced manufacturing workforce needs in the region.
• Monroe County Economic DevelopmentkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with Monroe County Economic Development for workforce development summits and regional economic initiatives supporting advanced manufacturing.
• MCUNY APEX AcceleratorkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partnered with MCUNY APEX Accelerator on the Workforce Development Summit supporting defense and manufacturing industry workforce needs.
• Submarine Industrial BasekeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with the Submarine Industrial Base for workforce development summits addressing growing demands of the defense industry.
• ESL Charitable FoundationsupportingOthers · 1 January 2025ESL Charitable Foundation provides funding support for Real Life Rosies pre-apprenticeship program.
• BuildSubmarines.comsupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025BuildSubmarines.com is a FLYAP sponsor supporting youth apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing and defense-related industries.
• Genesee County Economic Development CentersupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Genesee County Economic Development Center sponsors FLYAP youth apprenticeship program.
• Business Council of New York StatekeyGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA's membership in the Business Council of New York State provides advocacy representation at the State Capitol on issues impacting manufacturers.
• Coalition for a Prosperous America (CPA)keyGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with CPA to advocate for national policies supporting U.S. manufacturing including National Manufacturing Strategy, Balanced Trade Policy, and Tax Reform.
• Manufacturing Alliance of New York State (MACNY/Industry)keyGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA is a member of the Manufacturing Alliance of New York State, participating in Manufacturing Advocacy Days in Albany to influence state policy.
• RochesterWorkskeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025RochesterWorks supports Real Life Rosies program and connects job seekers with manufacturing career opportunities.
• RG&E FoundationsupportingOthers · 1 January 2025RG&E Foundation provides funding support for FLYAP youth apprenticeship program.
• Workforce Development InstitutesupportingOthers · 1 January 2025Workforce Development Institute provides funding support for FLYAP youth apprenticeship program.
• OptiPro SystemssupportingTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025OptiPro Systems provides Mastercam software and training resources for RTMA members.
• Brown & Brown InsurancesupportingOthers · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with Brown & Brown insurance to provide members competitive rates for NYS Disability, Dental, Vision Care, and health insurance through RTMA Private Health Insurance Exchange for companies with 100+ employees.
• Paychex PEOsupportingOthers · 1 January 2025Paychex PEO provides HR solutions for RTMA members including payroll, benefits, training, regulatory guidance, with potential to reduce HR and workers compensation costs by up to 30%.
• Staples AdvantagesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Staples is an approved and preferred supplier for RTMA, providing members exclusive savings on office products through customized online ordering program.
• Hello Nation / Hello RochestersupportingGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025RTMA partners with Hello Rochester digital magazine, part of Hello Nation program launched in partnership with the City of Rochester and US Conference of Mayors with CGI to promote the region and showcase local industry experts.
• Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MACNY is RTMA's primary workforce development partner, operating Advance2Apprenticeship and Real Life Rosies programs. MACNY celebrated expansion across New York State including Rochester, achieving 75% completion rate and 71% employment rate for pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Empire State DevelopmentkeyOthers · 1 January 2024Empire State Development provides funding support for Real Life Rosies and Advance2Apprenticeship programs, helping RTMA expand workforce development initiatives.
• Strong Center for Developmental DisabilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024RTMA partners with Strong Center for Developmental Disabilities to operate Advance2Apprenticeship program designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to prepare for manufacturing careers.
• BlueForge Alliance – Maritime Industrial Base (MIB)keyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024National partnership supporting pre-apprenticeship programs through BlueForge Alliance's Maritime Industrial Base initiative.
• NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New YorkkeyStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024NSF Energy Storage Engine provides funding support for Advance2Apprenticeship program.
• Monroe Community College (MCC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018RTMA partners with MCC for workforce development, operating the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center and offering dual enrollment college credits for apprentices. MCC provides facilities and educational support for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs including Real Life Rosies and Advance2Apprenticeship.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Manufacturers Association of Central New York (MACNY): New York State manufacturing trade association that co-operates pre-apprenticeship programs (Advance2Apprenticeship, Real Life Rosies) with RTMA. Operates the same advocacy + workforce development model in a different NY region, making it the closest comparable peer.
• The Manufacturing Institute: NAM-affiliated nonprofit focused on workforce development, apprenticeships, and credentialing in U.S. manufacturing. Directly comparable as the national-scale analog of RTMA's apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Broad incumbents

• National Association of Manufacturers (NAM): Largest U.S. manufacturing trade association offering advocacy, workforce development, and member services across all 50 states. Comparable in mission and offerings but operates nationally and at much larger scale than RTMA's regional focus.
• Precision Metalforming Association (PMA): National trade association for the metalforming industry offering workforce development, apprenticeships, and member services. Comparable in industry focus (advanced manufacturing) and apprenticeship sponsorship model, but broader geographic scope.
• AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology: Trade association for U.S. manufacturing technology providers, offering workforce development, training, and advocacy. Comparable in serving advanced manufacturing employers with member services and skills pipeline programs.
• SME (Society of Manufacturing Engineers): Professional society advancing manufacturing professionals through certifications, training, and workforce development. Comparable in delivering manufacturing-related credentials (e.g., CMfgA is offered via RTMA partners) and apprenticeship-adjacent training.
• Business Council of New York State: Statewide business association of which RTMA is already a member. Comparable as a peer providing advocacy, member services, and policy representation for New York employers including manufacturers.

Regional players

• Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce: Regional business association serving the Rochester/Finger Lakes area with overlapping advocacy, networking, and member-benefit functions. Comparable as a peer trade organization competing for member mindshare in the same geography.
• Tooling & Manufacturing Association (TMA): Chicago-area trade association serving precision manufacturing and tooling companies with training, apprenticeships, and member services. Highly comparable as a regional manufacturing association with apprenticeship programs—essentially RTMA's Midwestern analog.
• Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM): Statewide employer association offering HR solutions, health insurance exchanges, workforce development, and advocacy to manufacturers. Comparable in the combination of member benefits, workforce programs, and advocacy representation at the state level.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/RTMAorg
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@rtmaorg
• Facebookfacebook.com/RTMA1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rochester-technology-and-manufacturing-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/rtmaorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association