WDB Employment Focused Services (EFS)

Grant Program Success

By EFS - Case Manager Venice A. Ervin

"Nicholas came into the office seeking assistance with finding a job to provide for his family. Nicholas was given the opportunity to take the training for OSHA 10 and Asbestos training. He passed both courses and was hired to work on a construction project located locally. Since then he has maintained a good working relationship with his employer. 

"He has proven that mistakes in your past do not mean that you need to give up on your future. Our grant program receives a large number of referrals from probation to assist individuals coming out of incarceration. Many of them struggle with getting back to normal everyday life, such as working, getting transportation, housing, and health care.

"Nicholas has achieved all of these needs by working with organizations in the community, including the WDB. We applaud him for his persistence and learned work ethics."

Congratulations, Nicholas!

WDB Re-Entry Task Force (RTF) Grant Program Success

By RTF Case Manager Amanda Rushing

"In February, we began providing services to many new grant participants, helping them become the best version of what they are destined to be.

"Additionally, four of our participants graduated from the Ready, Set, Work program (RSW) and five of our participants have entered the WDB Brownfields Training Grant Program.

"RSW aims to equip justice involved individuals with the necessary tools to obtain and sustain quality employment leading to self-sufficiency.

RTF is very proud of our clients who have graduated RSW and who are participating in the Brownfields Grant. We look forward to seeing what their ongoing work and success brings to their bright future ahead."

Congratulations, Participants!

WDB Pathway Home 2 Grant Program (PH2) Success

By PH2 Lead-In-Facility Counselor Loretta M. Young

"In September 2023, we enrolled a couple in the Pathway Home 2 program in the Oneida County Jail. While in the jail, they completed all eight of the Interactive Journaling, Ready Set Work modules, under the supervision of the PH2 Team.

"They are both educated and intelligent individuals that were seeking to do better once released. They often remarked that not having the proper identification and having involvement with the justice system, makes it difficult to get a job. We obtained the wife's high school diploma before she was released, and we promised them that the PH2 team would endeavor to get them employed when they were released into the community.

"They were released in February 2024, and we continued to work with them in Rome. After their release, they earned their accredited OSHA 30-hour certificates.

"In July 2024, the tornado in Rome destroyed everything they owned. They did not let this devastation stop them. They still wanted to meet with me.

"The day of our appointment I drove to Rome, not knowing what to expect. We met in Denny's parking lot because our Working Solutions office was destroyed by the tornado. We gave them gift cards, clothing, and hygiene products to help them through this time. They said they would be moving to the Utica area to stay with a relative until they could find a suitable living arrangement. 

"After finding a permanent living arrangement and several job interviews, they finally landed a job at a local delivery company some distance from their new home.

"Today the couple is doing well and still working for the delivery company. We continue to work with them during the follow-up phase of our grant program."

They recently thanked us for being there for them as they transitioned to a new norm: "I was very happy to hear your voice this morning," they said. "Just do me a favor and try and keep in touch. I'm so thankful for you and the PH2 program for believing in us and seeing the real people behind the false crime title and helping us push to succeed even when we were ready to give up on ourselves. We really wouldn't be mentally able to get through everything without you.”

Congratulations, PH2 Participants!

Vitality in the Valley: Farm to Factory June 3-4, 2025,

at Herkimer College

"This premier Manufacturing Expo connects NYS food, beverage, and agriculture businesses with top manufacturers and key industry resources."

Why Attend?

Network with buyers & suppliers

Hear from Richard A. Ball, NYS Agriculture & Markets Commissioner

Explore funding, distribution & new tech

Connect with business & technical experts

"Exhibit & showcase your success and gain exclusive access to a pre-event reception featuring an array of local cuisine and beverage pairings while networking in a relaxed setting."

Register here: https://fuzehub.com/viv2025/

The Workforce Development Board has learning/training grants that you may be eligible for!

View our Training Grant Programs Here and contact us to find out how we can help you jump start your career in a field you love.

VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

Email Julia

Email Fritz

Increase your Skills, Collect Badges, Beef Up Your Resume and Stand Apart from the Crowd:

Take Classes for FREE on our Metrix Online Learning Platform!

• 7000+ online SkillSoft courses.  

2300+ in Spanish

• "TPC" Courses – over 900 construction and manufacturing courses, OSHA 10 license

• Mobile phone training in an “all game” format

150 different topics in both English and Spanish

Courses include: audio, video, closed captioning, lectures, simulations, and quizzes and tests in interactive modules.

Topics include: IT, Microsoft Office, sales, software, workplace skills, and many more.

• Self Sign-Up
• Go At Your Own Pace
• Take as Many Classes as You Want

This FREE self-paced online skills training is available to all businesses and job seekers in Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties!

View the Catalog Here

SIGN UP HERE

GO HERE TO SEE LOCAL FEATURED JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE UPCOMING HIRING EVENTS

To see the qualifications for each position, apply online, or see the starting rates for these positions, go to: www.mvcaa.com/employment

UTICA April 3rd:

ROME April 17th 1pm and 3pm:

SEND AN EMAIL

DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

SEE MORE OPPORTUNITIES AT HERKIMER WORKING SOLUTIONS/VIEW THE CALENDAR

Download the Flyer

VIEW LARGER WITH CLICKABLE WATER SAFARI LINK

Online Job Seeker Resources

VALUABLE ONLINE RESOURCES provided by the WDB/Working Solutions.

Happy April!

Next Month's Issue:

Do you have something you'd like to share? A hiring event, learning/training opportunity, announcement, community news, program news, staff news, success story or personal achievement? Photos are always welcome! Please email Jodi Delapaz,

Communications Coordinator:

jdelapaz@working-solutions.org

Workforce Development Board,

Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties, Inc.

209 Elizabeth Street

Utica, NY 13501

info@working-solutions.org

www.working-solutions.org

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. This product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.