Finch Paper in Glens Falls is no exception to employers struggling to find workers nationwide. The manufacturer came up with a plan to remedy its labor shortage by offering tuition reimbursement for SUNY Adirondack students who work at their plant for two shifts a week for a semester.
The students are also paid an hourly wage.
“Since SUNY Adirondack is already among the most affordable colleges in the state and offers generous financial aid, this is an incredible opportunity for students to graduate with little to no debt, earn money, gain job skills and build relationships in the community,” said Kristine D. Duffy, Ed.D., president of the college.
Students who work 27 shifts per semester are eligible to be fully reimbursed for tuition and fees, up to $2,625. According to the agreement with Finch Paper, participating students must pass all their courses and be in good academic standing to receive the tax-free payment at the end of the semester.
“We are excited by the prospect of hiring SUNY Adirondack students,” said Dennis Gazaille, employee relations manager at Finch. “Sure, we need to hire, but we also see this as a great way to help students pay for their education, further strengthening the community and economy we have been part of for more than 150 years.”
Students can choose from shifts of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday and Saturday, or 3 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, earning $17.18 an hour as a floor hand/laborer. Job duties include housekeeping, transporting and processing off-quality paper, emptying bins, cleaning with high-pressure hoses, assisting production teams, and performing other duties to increase operation efficiency.
Applications are available at finchpaper.com/careers. Interested students are encouraged to fill them out before attending the event.
Those interested in this opportunity who are not yet students can apply for the Spring 2022 semester on line connect.sunyacc.edu/apply/. The spring semester starts Jan. 24.