Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that nearly 70 businesses, community colleges, and community-based organizations across the state have been awarded $3.1 million as part of the state’s Workforce Development Initiative. The grant funds through the Department of Labor and The State University of New York will support professional training opportunities for 3,644 New Yorkers, teaching them skills that are in demand from employers. Since launching in May 2019, nearly $12 million has been awarded through the $175 million Workforce Development Initiative, which will provide training to more than 8,200 New Yorkers.
“These awards will provide thousands of people with the training and skills they need to compete in today’s fast-growing industries, and ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” Governor Cuomo said. “The state’s workforce must adapt in order to take advantage of the rapidly changing economy, and our Workforce Development Initiative is giving New Yorkers the edge they need to succeed.”
“The number one issue I hear from employers across the state is that they can’t find workers with the skills they need for 21st century jobs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “That is why as part of our historic $175 million Workforce Development Initiative, we are investing $3.1 million in job training programs spearheaded by nearly 70 New York State businesses, non-profits and community organizations that will benefit 3,600 New Yorkers. Whether it’s the culinary arts or advanced manufacturing, we are investing and working to close the skills gap and prepare all New Yorkers for jobs today and in the future.”
New York’s Regional Economic Development Councils have a key role in recommending applications for funding, based on regional economic needs and opportunities. Businesses and organizations from eight REDC regions receiving Workforce Development awards include:
- Finger Lakes: Baxter, Foodlink, Genesee Construction Service, Graham Corporation, Lifetime Assistance, Mary Cariola Childrens Center, McAlpin Industries, Optimax, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Prestolite, WayneFinger Lakes BOCES
- Southern Tier: ACHIEVE, DYCO Electronics, Global Cloud Solutions, MPL Inc., Raymond-Hadley, Triple Cities Network Solutions
- Capital Region: Albany Schoharie Schenectady Saratoga BOCES
- Central New York: Ames Linen Service, Learning Disabilities Association of CNY, Marathon Boat Group
- Mid-Hudson: Caribbean Food Delights, Genpak, Rockland BOCES, ShopRite, Touro College and University System, Walden Savings Bank
- Mohawk Valley: Breton Industries
- Long Island: 106th Rescue Wing Air National Guard at Gabreski Airport, AHRC Suffolk County, American Regent, Catholic Health Services of Long Island, Developmental Disabilities Institute, East End Disabilities Associates, Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Independent Group Home Living, NYU-Winthrop Hospital, Norman Keil Nurseries, SightMD, St. Francis Hospital
- Western New York: American Niagara Hospitality, Audubon Machinery Corporation, Brunner International, Bush Industries, Cattaraugus County, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Intandem, Napoleon Engineering Services, Niagara Industrial Mechanical, People Inc, Precious Plate, SG Special Mold Components, Southern Tier Environments for Living, Saint Gobain, Snyder Corporation, Time Release Sciences, TitanX, Tulip Richardson Manufacturing, VanDeMark Chemical, Washington Mills.
The professional training projects are supported by SUNY community colleges across the state including: Broome, Dutchess, Genesee, Jamestown, Mohawk Valley, Monroe, Nassau, Niagara County, Orange County, and Suffolk County. Projects funded through NYS Department of Labor include sites in the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, and Western New York.
Governor Cuomo announced a $175 million statewide investment for the Workforce Development Initiative in May 2019 to support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses’ short-term workforce needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, expand apprenticeships and address the long-term needs of growing industries. These funds will also support efforts to improve the economic security of women, youth and other groups facing significant barriers to career advancement. The State’s Regional Economic Development Councils play a critical role in recommending projects that align with their region’s economic and workforce development plans.
In September 2019, more than $3 million in Workforce Development Initiative awards were provided to Mohawk Valley Community College, North Country for Agri-Mark and International Paper, Broome for the Raymond Corporation, Corning for Elmira Savings Bank, and Mohawk Valley for C & H Plastics to dramatically expand high-growth industry apprenticeships. In January 2020, $3.4 million in Workforce Development Initiative awards were provided to 61 New York State businesses, community colleges and community-based organizations to train 2,464 New Yorkers with in-demand skills. Also, in February 2020, $2.3 million was awarded to train 825 New Yorkers. More information about the Workforce Development Initiative and the awards announced to date can be found at workforcedevelopment.ny.gov.
