HERKIMER, NY — June 16, 2026 — Herkimer County Community College, in
partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College, has announced the launch of its
first series of free FastTrack workforce courses for residents in Herkimer County.
These free, short-term courses are open to adults ages 17 and older and are designed to
help participants build job-focused skills, connect with local employers, and find work
that fits.
Three courses will be offered this summer: Dental Assistant, CNC Machinist, and
Restaurant Experience Lab. Courses run between five and ten weeks depending on the
course. All courses are offered free of charge.
FastTrack courses are short-term, non-credit workforce training programs designed
with input from industry professionals and local employers. The courses help
participants gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to take the next step
toward employment or continued education.
The expansion of FastTrack to HCCC is made possible through Mohawk Valley
Community College and funding awarded by Empire State Development. MVCC
received $2.3 million from ESD’s Mohawk Valley Empowers grant program to replicate
its successful free, non-credit workforce entry programs at Herkimer County
Community College, Fulton-Montgomery Community College, and SUNY Oneonta.
Through this partnership, HCCC is able to bring the FastTrack model to Herkimer
County residents while expanding access to career-focused training close to home.
The launch of these programs also reflects coordinated partnership at the local level.
HCCC’s new Office of Workforce and Economic Development is working closely with
Herkimer-Fulton-Hamilton-Otsego BOCES and Working Solutions to support outreach,
participant readiness, and accessibility for prospective participants.
President of Herkimer County Community College, Dr. Terri Grates Day said, “This
partnership reflects exactly what community colleges are supposed to do: respond to the
needs of our region and create clear pathways to opportunity. FastTrack gives Herkimer
County residents access to short-term, high-impact training that can lead directly to
employment and career growth. We are proud to work alongside MVCC, BOCES,
Working Solutions, and our regional employers to expand workforce development
opportunities that strengthen both individuals and our local economy.”
The summer course offerings include:
Dental Assistant
This course prepares participants for entry-level opportunities in dental offices.
Students will learn about dental office operations, oral anatomy, clinical and
administrative responsibilities, and the role of the dental assistant. Following successful
course completion, participants may be eligible to sit for DANB exams.
CNC Machinist
This in-person course introduces participants to the skills and knowledge needed for
entry-level manufacturing and machining roles. Participants will build foundational
knowledge connected to CNC machining and manufacturing workplace expectations
while preparing for opportunities in a field where local employers continue to need
skilled workers.
Restaurant Experience Lab
This hands-on course is designed for individuals interested in restaurant and hospitality
work. Participants will build foundational front-of-house and back-of-house knowledge
while learning fundamental skills needed to succeed in the industry. The course
provides practical, job-connected learning for those interested in entering or advancing
in the food service industry.
Interested residents can complete the FastTrack interest form at
tinyurl.com/HCCCFT. HCCC’s Office of Workforce and Economic Development will
contact interested participants to discuss course options in more detail.
Additional programs relating to other industry sectors are scheduled to launch Fall
2026.
For more information, contact:
Herkimer County Community College
Office of Workforce and Economic Development
315.866.0300 x 8620
workforcedev@herkimer.edu
https://www.herkimer.edu/academics/workforce-and-economic-development/
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About Herkimer County Community College: Located in central New York
State, just off the NYS Thruway exit 30 and situated in the foothills of the Adirondack
Park, HCCC is one of 30 community colleges in the State University of New York
(SUNY) system. HCCC offers a quality and affordable educational experience and is
ranked among the top two-year colleges in the nation based on transfer and
graduation rates. HCCC offers a variety of associate degree and certificate programs
in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education, healthcare
and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM, and is a leading provider of fully
online degree programs. The student body of approximately 2,500 hails from
throughout the nation and several foreign countries. With on-campus housing for
more than 600 students, a nationally ranked athletics program, and a variety of
student activities, clubs, and events, Herkimer College students enjoy the complete
college experience. Herkimer College is a fundamental contributor to the economic
development of Herkimer County and the Mohawk Valley region. More information is
available at http://www.herkimer.edu.
