The WDB is Hiring Case Managers for our Grant Projects

Based in Utica!

AND We also have

a position for a part-time Project Assistant!

Welcome New Business Services Representative

Laura Eannace!

A little about Laura:

"I’ve had various experience in my career, including writing grant proposals and administering them. I have been in the human resources field as Director which has given me the understanding of labor laws, training and relationship building. I have been in administration, which offered opportunities to meet other business partners in and outside my organization. I have been a member of many community boards, again gaining insight on building businesses and maintaining relationships. I hope to use all of my experience to help find suitable business partners for us in order to provide employment opportunities for the folks we serve in our community and to network in the community to continue to build and strengthen our relationships. I also will provide administrative support to assure we have the data needed in a timely manner to satisfy our grantor requirements."

Tornado Hits Rome Working Solutions

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the Rome Working Solutions office was severely damaged by the tornado that ripped through downtown Rome. Our office was in the direct line of the storm, tearing off the roof, causing rain and large portions of our office ceiling to come down. With less than a 20 second warning, staff and customers were still inside trying to dodge the debris on the way to the basement. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely without injury! 

Recognition goes to the everyday heroes that day – staff from the various agencies in the building who were there to help in the midst of the chaos. Those who carried people with mobility issues down the basement stairs to safety and checking for injuries. People willing to go back into the wreckage to get coworker items left behind, making sure those with damaged cars had a way to get home and giving rides if needed. Men and women, still in shock, clearing out the parking lot of wood and glass and metal roofing so people could get out safely. And especially those who were back to work the next day to serve a community in need. Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers from Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, describes being a boy and seeing scary things in the news, “My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people that are helping.‘” Thank you to all the helpers, then and now!

Temporary Phone Number: 315-793-2229

Oneida County’s Rome Offices have been relocated to an emergency location at the former Berkshire Bank Building 

County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. announced today that Oneida County’s Rome Offices have been relocated to an emergency location at the former Berkshire Bank Building in downtown as repairs are made to its tornado-damaged facilities.

Beginning on July 24, 2024, the county’s Rome offices will be operating from 100 W. Dominick Street. These services have been relocated from the county’s 300 W. Dominick Street location which was damaged in the July 16 tornado.

Anyone impacted by the Rome tornado can also utilize this emergency location for relief services. The county’s mobile unit services that had been operating in the parking lot at North James and Liberty streets will cease operations and be shifted to 100 W. Dominick St. 

The county’s Department of Motor Vehicles Rome office will remain closed for the foreseeable future. DMV services are available at Union Station in Utica or online here: https://dmv.ny.gov/.

The hours of operation for the county’s new temporary 100 W. Dominick Street site will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Friday, before transitioning back to 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. beginning on July 29.

The offices at 100 W. Dominick Street can be reached by calling 315-356-2800.

WDB Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Project Update

"Exciting News: 55 Job Seekers Begin Their Registered Apprenticeships this Quarter!

"We are excited to share that this quarter, we successfully enrolled 55 job seekers into Registered Apprenticeships, with 50 of those coming from Carpenters Union Local 277!"

Oneida County Re-Entry Task Force Successes!

CRTF had 2 individuals successfully complete the Pre-Apprenticeship Program,Cohort 3 in June and they also received their OSHA 30 certification and MVCC Work Readiness Certificate.

WDB YouthBuild Grant Program Success!

A young man, we'll call "C" that was involved in the Foster Care system and who had some legal issues entered the Program and, not only did he finish the program with the NCCER, a national construction credential that is recognized as prestigious within the skilled trades industry, and OSHA 30 certifications offered; but he also gained employment during the last couple weeks of the program in March 2024.

This young man is still employed today and has recently informed his employer he is interested in obtaining CDL. The employer will work with him to allow him to both attend classes but to also remain employed during the licensing process.

Since first meeting this young man in October 2023 until now, we have witnessed tremendous maturity and growth as his own dreams have grown."

NY SCION Success!

Client JZ visited the Utica Career Center in 2023 after being downsized from a previous position with a local financial institution. JZ had worked in her previous role for 25 years before she was let go, and her position was downsized. JZ felt that her disability was a contributing factor to her downsizing. JZ secured a position for herself after visiting the Career Center, however her position was downsized yet again, and JZ was left searching for a job again in January 2024. 

JZ walked into the Career Center in January 2024 and requested to meet with DRC Sortino. DRC Sortino sat with JZ and listened to what had happened with her most recent employer. During this meeting, DRC Sortino recognized an area of opportunity with JZ: Interview Preparation and Disability Disclosure. DRC Sortino worked with JZ to prepare her for her next interview, and assisted her to address gaps in her resume, as well as navigating conversations in which JZ could advocate for herself through requests for Reasonable Accommodations. DRC Sortino offered to act as a bridge between JZ and Human Resources, to assist her in requesting necessary accommodations. 

After meeting with DRC Sortino, DRC Sortino secured an appointment with a Department of Labor Service Representative (LSR) for JZ. JZ, the LSR, and DRC spoke about positions JZ would be a good fit for, ways to improve her resume, and tools for a successful job search. While this meeting was occurring, DRC Sortino reached out to a local employer that JZ had expressed an interest in..DRC Sortino spoke with them about JZ’s employment history, her skills, and shared her resume in the hopes they had a position JZ would be a good fit for.

During follow up, it was discovered that JZ had been offered the position with the local employer. She accepted the position and is now gainfully employed, full-time. DRC Sortino will continue to follow up with JZ and provide additional supports as needed.

Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Project Success!

Interview with a RADAR Participant

(Name changed to initials for anonymity.)

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background?

My name is J.S.. I am from PTECH [Pathways in Technology], I will graduate in the fall with an associates in business administration and get my high school diploma with honors at the same time.

I am part of Phi Theta Kappa, and I was hired by the college for many roles. The first role was being a tutor in the learning commons, and then I was 'promoted' to working in their broad street office and then 'promoted' to creating a program that was universally designed to help all students including those with disabilities get invaluable life skills.

I created calendars, communicated with professors and working solutions and had some involvement with the Department Of Labor and the University of Rochester.

All in all, we executed the program, and it was a success. Every individual was offered employment by local manufacturers by the end.

The program is very unique, it offers professional skills, i.e, resume help, interview skills, clothing for interviews, communication techniques, etc., half of the time and then the other half is manufacturing so that they already have basic training for the employers which makes them more valuable. They also receive an OSHA 10 by the end of the program.

On Thursdays I reinforce both subject areas. I assist with resume writing, interview prep, and help tutor in manufacturing.

At the end we have a mock interview day to test everything, their responses, having to wait, anxiety, dress codes, everything like the real interview so it is less frightening. And then, we do the real interviews with Danfoss, Indium, Riverhawk, Giotto, a lot of other big names.

This is now the conclusion of the second iteration, and it was also a success. 1/3 were hired on the spot and the other 2/3 of the class are doing tours and preparing for apprenticeship programs. I love being with this program from the start and being able to help shape it to be the best resource possible, and we are always improving!

I look forward to the third iteration as this "model" is being rolled out statewide, or will be soon according to the University of Rochester.

After that wrapped up, I was working in MVCC and was making forms that were given to employers, little did I know one of these forms was for RCIL. About a month later I was hired as a hiring liaison at RCIL only to find out that I had been the one to create this new program from MVCC. It was really an interesting experience and I love my current position at RCIL and MVCC. I hope this summary is acceptable.

Initial Experience

What were your first impressions of the apprenticeship program?

I enjoyed it, it is a first time for RCIL, so we are able to teach each other and knowing the MVCC side of how they work has been very helpful and allowed me to help RCIL navigate a at times confusing system. I am learning a lot of useful information and skills.

Future Outlook

What are your plans or goals for the future once you complete your apprenticeship?

RCIL plans to have me as a normal employee, and I have to say after being in this work environment I would be quite excited to see where that went. I would like to stay with RCIL while still helping out MVCC where I could.

Conclusion

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your apprenticeship experience or your journey?

HR is a wonderful department and I think everyone should spend at least a week or two learning how it functions so that people are not so mad on the phones. There are lots of procedures and protocols and the more willing you are to follow them and give us what we need when we need it, the faster your process will be done. I think that this type of program is very valuable and provides a way to show employees what a career in that field might look like and seeing that is very informative in my opinion.

If you would like to know more about apprenticeships and keep up to date with our apprenticeship programs and opportunities, subscribe to our bi-monthly Apprenticeship Newsletter! GO HERE TO SIGN UP. (Scroll toward bottom of the page.)

The Workforce Development Board Announces New Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Utica, NY – The Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties’ Regional Apprenticeship Development & Readiness (RADAR) grant program is pleased to announce recently approved Apprenticeship programs concomitant with the U.S. Department of Labor’s efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship by increasing the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that use Registered Apprenticeship and improving the access to Registered Apprenticeship Programs for underrepresented and underserved communities. These individuals receive career guidance, assessment and training in a chosen field, such as manufacturing, IT, human services or the trades at no cost to potential employers.

RADAR Program Manager Sommer Edwards says, “We are thrilled to share our active involvement in facilitating the launch of 17 new registered apprenticeship programs for businesses in our area. Our excitement stems from the profound impact these programs will have on fostering skill development, enhancing career opportunities, and bolstering our local economy. We are committed to supporting businesses every step of the way as they embark on this journey, ensuring they receive the necessary guidance and resources to create meaningful apprenticeship experiences. Together, we look forward to building a robust network of skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth and success of our community.”

According to the Department of Labor, employers who utilize apprentices report higher productivity, higher retention rates, and a substantial return on investment.

Sitrin Health Care Center Vice President Foundation & Communications Marc DePerno says, “The Sitrin Health Care Center is excited to be recently approved as a New York State Registered Apprenticeship Program in Building Maintenance Mechanics. The apprenticeship program provides a unique opportunity to enhance workforce development and creates a learning environment that breeds success. Upon approval, we immediately identified two apprentice candidates who are currently completing the enrollment process.”

State Wide Autos Co-owner Andrew Bennett says, “With today’s ever-changing automotive industry, we are appreciative of the opportunity for our company to participate in the NYS Department of Labor Apprenticeship Training Program and also for the support we receive from the Workforce Development Board. We recently registered our first employee, JC, in the Automotive Service Technician trade. All the program staff we are working with are very helpful and professional and we would encourage other companies to explore this beneficial opportunity for both their company and employees.”

Resource Center for Independent Living (RCIL) Executive Vice President of Corporate Resources Amy Dewan says, “Each apprenticeship job posting has received interested candidates, and two candidates have recently been hired for the two Human Resources Associate positions. One Human Resources Associate is working with employee benefits and the other is working with hiring direct care workers. The apprenticeships provide opportunities for individuals to apply for positions that they are interested in without having the work experience or education that may be necessary if they were not apprentices. It has allowed the two apprentices hired in RCIL’s Human Resources department to learn about Human Resources and begin assisting with benefits and hiring job responsibilities.”

Apprenticeship programs help employers:

·        Recruit and develop a highly-skilled workforce that helps grow their business.

·        Improve productivity, profitability, and an employer’s bottom line.

·        Create flexible training options that ensure workers develop the right skills.

·        Minimize liability costs through appropriate training of workers.

·        Receive tax credits and employee tuition benefits in participating states.

·        Increase retention of workers, during and following the apprenticeship.

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc. (WDB HMO) serves as a leader for workforce development programs and services, and as a regional partner, creating impactful strategies to meet the region’s immediate and long-term workforce needs and economic development priorities.

If you would like to learn more about the benefits of hosting an apprenticeship or starting an apprenticeship program, please contact RADAR Program Director Sommer Edwards at 315.207.6951, ext. 133 or sedwards@working-solutions.org

This grant program operates in Onondaga, Cortland, Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Herkimer, Otsego, Delaware, Fulton, Montgomery, and Schoharie.

The RADAR grant project is 100% funded by a United States Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) award of $2,999,993. Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Central New York Community Priorities Document

'The result of input from more than 12,000 Central New Yorkers, the creation of the Community Priorities Document emerges at a crucial juncture, embodying a blueprint for action and collaboration. It’s not merely a catalog of aspirations but a testament to the sense of urgency and collective resolve that defines this moment for Central New York. With a forward-looking gaze, it calls on every community member to lend their voice, vision, and vitality to this transformative endeavor.

"The Community Priorities Document is based on extensive feedback from residents, leaders, experts, and service providers and captures needs across the entire region. It is not meant to suggest a one-for-one approach across counties and municipalities. Some strategies, programs, and activities included here might already exist in one place, yet other places might still need investment and support. Read on to learn more about the Community Priorities Document, the Priority Areas identified, and strategies for achieving transformative change for our region."

READ THE DOCUMENT

Office of Children and Family Services

Division of Child Care Services

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)

The goal of the Child Care Assistance Program is to help Temporary Assistance (TA) and low-income families pay for child care in order to help them become self-sufficient.

GO HERE TO LEARN MORE /OR APPLY

Email Sarah

Email Nicole

LEARN MORE

Our August 16th Job Fair is starting to fill up with some exciting opportunities! Join us at Herkimer Working Solutions on 8/16 from 1-3 to check out these open positions!

Is your business looking to recruit? There are 2-3 tables for employers remaining for the August event. Contact Career Center Manager, Nicole, at 315-867-1400 or nwilson@herkimercounty.org to reserve your table today!

Email Sommer

Visit their Career Site

Herkimer Working Solutions August Opportunities

VIEW LARGER/DOWNLOAD

BOCES New Fall 2024 Catalog

The BOCES Consortium of Continuing Education Fall 2024 Catalog is almost here! Featuring career training, literacy class information, driving classes, new community education classes, and more, the Adult & Continuing Education catalog will start to hit mailboxes during the first week in August.

If you’d like to be added to our mailing list, please email rburleigh@bocescce.org or call (315)361-5800. A digital version of the catalog will be available on our website by the end of July: https://moboces.org/adulted

Visit their website

Send an Email

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.

Visit their website

Email Rachel

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

Training opportunities open to anyone throughout NY State. Thank you for granting funding there is currently NO cost to school districts within Broome, Chenango, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Otsego County to schedule a Youth and/or teen MHFA training for your district. 

 teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) teaches teens in grades 10-12, or ages 15-18, how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge among their friends and peers. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) is  designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

"In order to stay in compliance and to the fidelity of the teen Mental Health First Aid guidelines we are offering multiple opportunities this summer for your school staff (administration, bus drivers, teachers and anyone else) to attend our Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. If you would like to schedule a summer or fall YMHFA training please reach out as soon as possible as we do fill up quickly. "

DYK?The WDB now offers text notifications

Get notified by text when we have new opportunities for you, such as job fairs, hiring events, and new learning opportunities!

To sign up simply text HMO to 315-470-0055 or use the QR Code.

Happy August!

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