September/October 2025

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of

Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties'

Apprenticeship 

News & Opportunities

How the WDB HMO

Invests in Local Talent and Builds Stronger Communities


Every year, the WDB HMO connects hundreds of residents to jobs, skills training, and career opportunities. These investments don’t just change lives, they strengthen our local economy, helping businesses grow and our community thrive.


Our board serves as a bridge between employers, jobseekers, educators, and training providers. We ensure that public workforce dollars are invested strategically so that local businesses can find skilled workers, and residents can access the training and support they need to access pathways to family-sustaining employment.


Each year, our board achieves remarkable results partnering with local employers and schools to provide customized training programs and upskilling opportunities that help local jobseekers secure employment in high-demand fields.


Last year, through our Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) grant project alone, we assisted 354 residents, with 334 accessing career and technical education to pursue careers in Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Human Services, and Healthcare.

• 180 residents enrolled in trades-related training

• 50 pursued training in advanced manufacturing

• 20 focused on human services

• 3 entered the field of information technology

• 81 received training in healthcare


253 have gained employment so far, with 177 of them entering a Registered Apprenticeship Program as part of their career advancement.


National Workforce Development Month is a time to recognize the transformative power of programs like ours across the country.


We call on local leaders, businesses, and community partners to continue supporting workforce development programs that create opportunities for all.


By investing in skills training, apprenticeships, and career pathways, we can ensure that Mohawk Valley residents are prepared for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.


Workforce development is about more than employment. It’s about building stronger communities, fostering opportunity, and empowering people to reach their potential.


This September, we celebrate the difference our local workforce board makes every day in Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties, and we invite our community to join us in this work. Learn more at www.working-solutions.org or www.nawb.org.

Businesses: We have On-The-Job Training Funding

Questions? Contact Sommer Edwardsvext.133

Job Seekers: We can help you jumpstart your new career

Apply Today at radarjoin.com

Questions? Contact Sommer Edwards - 315-207-6951 ext.133

REGISTER HERE


VIEW THE Q&A


Interested in Joining the Laborers' Union?

Here are some certifications we can pay for:


  • Flagger
  • Aerial Platform/Boom Lift/ Scissor Operator
  • Trench & Excavation
  • Scaffold Safety
  • OSHA
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • Rigger Signalman/Operator Safety


To learn more contact Sommer Edwards:

sedwards@working-solutions.org

ext.133

WDB Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant Success!



The WDB partnership between our RADAR grant and the Utica City School District (UCSD) offers high school students pre-apprenticeship training focused on energy efficiency through the Summer NYPA Internship Program.


Students gain hands-on experience by conducting energy audits at local businesses, applying their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. This collaboration aims to develop students' skills in energy management and sustainability while providing valuable support to local industries.

 

14 students completed the training in August. We look forward to assisting them as they embark on their next steps post-graduation. 


Congratulations, Students!

Send an email


Gen Z turning away from traditional white-collar jobs, embracing blue-collar and skilled trade careers




READ THE ARTICLE



A Spectrum of Apprenticeship Training in New York State


Apprenticeships allow you to Earn while you Learn



Contact us for more information!

Like us on Facebook

Apprenticeships are a "hot topic" in the news!


We are keeping up with national and local news on our Apprenticeship Facebook Page including:

  • Reports & trending news,
  • Success stories (apprentices, students, schools, employers & stakeholders),
  • Government news,
  • Apprenticeship tips,
  • Local events and opportunities,
  • And more!


Please like/follow us here:

https://www.facebook.com/ApprenticeshipCNY

About the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, & Oneida (WDB HMO) Counties, Inc.

The role of the local Workforce Development Board (WDB) is system focused and strategic in nature. As a decision-making entity, the WDB determines priorities of service, negotiates measures, facilitates integration, and ensures quality outcomes. By understanding workforce development needs, anticipating trends, and focusing on system outcomes and performance, the WDB can effect substantial long-term change in the economic well-being of the community.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Have Questions? 

Please Contact us!

Alice Savino, Executive Director

asavino@working-solutions.org


The RADAR Grant is supported by the United States Department of Labor. A total of $2,999,993.00 (68.23%) of the program is financed with federal funds, and $1,397,000.00 (31.77%) is funded by non-federal sources. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

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