A strong energy storage innovation ecosystem starts with people. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is proud to celebrate the graduation of the first-ever Real Life Rosies® cohort, a first-of-its-kind workforce initiative in Upstate New York that is expanding the region’s battery manufacturing talent base and creating new pathways into advanced manufacturing and skilled careers in the trades.
As a sponsor of Real Life Rosies®, the NSF Energy Storage Engine is investing in the people who will help scale domestic battery production and bring energy storage technologies to market. This first cohort marks an important milestone, not only for the graduates, but for the broader ecosystem working to ensure Upstate New York has the skilled workforce needed to support growth in battery manufacturing and advanced energy systems.
This program reflects what it takes to build a durable workforce pipeline: collaboration across state agencies, education partners, industry, and regional organizations. The NSF Energy Storage Engine extends sincere thanks to our partners at Empire State Development, Office of Strategic Workforce Development, the New York State Department of Labor, MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, the Alliance for Manufacturing & Technology, and SUNY Broome Community College for their shared commitment to making Real Life Rosies® a success.
We are also grateful to participating employers National Pipe & Plastics, Inc. and BAE Systems for opening their doors, sharing expertise, and investing in the talent that will power the future of battery manufacturing and advanced energy systems.
Most importantly, congratulations to the Real Life Rosies® graduates. Your dedication, perseverance, and hard work are inspiring, and your achievement represents the start of an exciting journey. We cannot wait to see what you do next, and we are proud to support the opportunities that help you build lasting careers while strengthening our region’s energy storage economy.
If you're interested in learning more about the NSF Energy Storage Engine’s workforce programming please reach out to Tim Thomas tthomas@griffissinstitute.org
