Giovanni Foods, established in 1934 in Baldwinsville, New York, began with a focus on pasta sauces. Over the years, the company has expanded its expertise to include not only their own sauces but also collaborations with top consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. Today, Giovanni Foods plays a key role in developing and packaging a diverse range of products. In addition to these advancements, the company is committed to investing in its workforce through a Registered Apprenticeship program sponsored by MACNY, The Manufacturers Association and supported through Growing Apprenticeship in Nanotechnology and Semiconductors (GAINS).
At the age of 71, Carter McArthur took a chance that many might consider unconventional; he applied for Giovanni Foods' Registered Apprenticeship program. Holding an associate degree in Electronics, Carter brought a solid foundation of technical knowledge to his Apprenticeship. The program is structured to blend classroom learning with hands-on experience, but for Carter, much of his upskilling came through on-the-job training.
While Carter’s associate degree provided him with a strong theoretical background, the complexities of industrial manufacturing demanded practical skills that could only be refined through experience. The on-the-job training allowed Carter to gain invaluable insights into the operations and machinery he would be working with daily.
Carter succeeded in the Registered Apprenticeship program and became an Industrial Manufacturing Technician Journey-Worker on January 29, 2024, at the age of 73. Carter McArthur’s approach to his apprenticeship embodies a powerful message about the value of lifelong learning. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, “You are never too old for apprenticeship, and for me, that is 73 years young.” His words highlight a belief that age should not be a limitation but rather an asset in the quest for new skills and knowledge.
Publish Date: 12/02/2024