New York State Department of Labor - Labor Department Announces $1.6 Million in Funding for 800 Central New York Residents

Syracuse, NY (September 14, 2009) - Joined by local officials at a press conference in the City of Syracuse, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith today announced that four organizations in Central New York have received more than $1.6 in stimulus funding under the new Emerging and Transitional Worker Grant program to prepare approximately nearly 800 low-income workers for in-demand occupations. Statewide, $15 million will train more than 6,200 workers. Governor David A. Paterson said, “I meet low-income workers every day, and I know that the current recession has been very difficult for every one of them. Many of these men and women are looking for opportunities to make their lives better. The Emerging and Transitional Worker grants will touch the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in nearly every corner of the state, enriching families and communities, and most importantly, providing them with a pathway out of poverty.”

State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said, “As citizens of the Empire State, we all have a moral obligation to lift up our fellow New Yorkers who may have fallen through the cracks as a result of the current recession. For hundreds of workers in Central New York, this funding will provide them with a basis to succeed not only in the workplace, but also in life.”

The Labor Department’s Emerging and Transitional Worker grants are intended to give emerging and transitional workers – those with little or no connection to the workforce – the skills necessary to successfully obtain employment and advance their careers. Tools offered include career planning, work readiness training, High School Diploma or Equivalent preparation and basic occupational skills training. In some instances, the training will include in-demand sectors such as green collar occupations, health care and advanced manufacturing, as well as collaboration with community colleges.

These grants will help disconnected youth; the unemployed and previously employed; criminal and juvenile justice clients; individuals with disabilities, including veterans; those with limited English proficiency, and social services clients.

Here is a breakdown of awardees, grant amounts and training targets for the Central New York region:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County– $317,379 will train 120 veterans ages 18 to 65 in green-focused career preparation programs. Participants will receive training in basic skills for work readiness and preparation for post-secondary study in rural and urban agriculture, local food systems, environmental technology, renewable energy and other “green” topics of study.

Iroquois Healthcare Association– $440,751 to train 120 workers in career planning, work readiness skills, GED preparation, and/or occupational skills. Referrals to the local One-Stop, which will provide wrap-around services, is an integral component of training.

MACNY/Callahan Management Training Center, Inc.– $404,816 to train 300 workers from the criminal and juvenile justice systems, workers with disabilities, and limited English proficiency and out-of-school youth in a nationally certified manufacturing skills program.

Westcott Community Center– $438,358 to train 250 youth and adults in office technology, green construction and maintenance, asbestos removal, entry-level health care and GED preparation.

Workers interested in this training should contact either the grant recipients or their nearest One-Stop Career Center.

To find out more about the Department of Labor and its services for businesses and workers, please visit www.labor.ny.gov.

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Labor Department Announces $1.6 Million to Prepare 800 Low-Income Central New York Residents for In-Demand Jobs $15 Million in Stimulus Funding Statewide to Help Thousands
Syracuse, NY (September 14, 2009) - Joined by local officials at a press conference in the City of Syracuse, State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith today announced that four organizations in Central New York have received more than $1.6 in stimulus funding under the new Emerging and Transitional Worker Grant program to prepare approximately nearly 800 low-income workers for in-demand occupations. Statewide, $15 million will train more than 6,200 workers. Governor David A. Paterson said, “I meet low-income workers every day, and I know that the current recession has been very difficult for every one of them. Many of these men and women are looking for opportunities to make their lives better. The Emerging and Transitional Worker grants will touch the lives of thousands of New Yorkers in nearly every corner of the state, enriching families and communities, and most importantly, providing them with a pathway out of poverty.” State Labor Commissioner M. Patricia Smith said, “As citizens of the Empire State, we all have a moral obligation to lift up our fellow New Yorkers who may have fallen through the cracks as a result of the current recession. For hundreds of workers in Central New York, this funding will provide them with a basis to succeed not only in the workplace, but also in life.” The Labor Department’s Emerging and Transitional Worker grants are intended to give emerging and transitional workers – those with little or no connection to the workforce – the skills necessary to successfully obtain employment and advance their careers. Tools offered include career planning, work readiness training, High School Diploma or Equivalent preparation and basic occupational skills training. In some instances, the training will include in-demand sectors such as green collar occupations, health care and advanced manufacturing, as well as collaboration with community colleges. These grants will help disconnected youth; the unemployed and previously employed; criminal and juvenile justice clients; individuals with disabilities, including veterans; those with limited English proficiency, and social services clients. Here is a breakdown of awardees, grant amounts and training targets for the Central New York region: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County– $317,379 will train 120 veterans ages 18 to 65 in green-focused career preparation programs. Participants will receive training in basic skills for work readiness and preparation for post-secondary study in rural and urban agriculture, local food systems, environmental technology, renewable energy and other “green” topics of study. Iroquois Healthcare Association– $440,751 to train 120 workers in career planning, work readiness skills, GED preparation, and/or occupational skills. Referrals to the local One-Stop, which will provide wrap-around services, is an integral component of training. MACNY/Callahan Management Training Center, Inc.– $404,816 to train 300 workers from the criminal and juvenile justice systems, workers with disabilities, and limited English proficiency and out-of-school youth in a nationally certified manufacturing skills program. Westcott Community Center– $438,358 to train 250 youth and adults in office technology, green construction and maintenance, asbestos removal, entry-level health care and GED preparation. Workers interested in this training should contact either the grant recipients or their nearest One-Stop Career Center. To find out more about the Department of Labor and its services for businesses and workers, please visit www.labor.ny.gov. ### Share: Email More...