August 2022
News & Opportunities
Workforce News - Free Training - Job Opportunities - Tips & Resources - And More!
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New WDB Grant Focuses on Workers with Disabilities

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties (WDB/HMO) has received a nearly $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s America Building Apprenticeships Grant Program to develop a job training program that will help connect local job seekers with high-demand industries.

The funding will give job seekers the workforce training and skills they need to succeed, with a focus on the needs of local employers and individuals with disabilities across a nine-county region that includes Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie counties.

“We are looking forward to bringing together some awesome partners that include the Resource Center for Independent Living and the Central New York Labor Agency, as well as the corporate, community and educational partners that will help us reach out into all parts of the region we plan to serve,” said Alice Savino, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties.

“The mission of the Workforce Development Board is to bring opportunity to under-served populations so that all of the people in our region have the training they need to enter rewarding, good-paying careers,” said WDB Board Chair Emily Arthur in a news release from U.S. Senator for New York Charles Schumer's office. “By helping individuals with disabilities in this innovative and collaborative fashion, this project will help make our workforce and our communities stronger.”

“The Apprenticeship Building America grants will develop new pathways to good-quality jobs and provide America’s workers with opportunities to access and succeed in those pathways; and the intentional focus on equity partnerships and pre-apprenticeship activities will create opportunities for underrepresented and underserved communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh in a U.S. Department of Labor news release.

The Workforce Development Board is hiring!

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties is accepting resumes for full time Case Managers in Utica and additional locations in areas that the grant will serve.

The grant will serve individuals in Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Fulton, Montgomery and Schoharie Counties.

Case Manager Description:
Case Managers devote 100% of their time to specific grant populations depending on the grant requirements. Assists the Program Director by providing direct services including program recruitment and retention. Provides leadership training to participants as well as mentoring and support. Counsels individuals with meeting education and employment goals and with all employment related activities. Secures information such as education, skills and social factors contributing to the client’s situation and evaluate their needs. Assists the client with resumes, cover letters, job searches and interview preparation. Provides on the job support as needed once the individual becomes employed. Compiles records and complete case notes and reports. **Candidates with experience working with individuals that have disabilities are especially needed.

New flags at Norwich CDO Workforce

It's a lot easier to see Norwich CDO Workforce at 1 O'Hara Drive because of their attractive new flags!

The flags say:
Job Search Assistance, Resume Preparation, Career Guidance, and Youth Programs. to help people understand and get the word out about the variety of services that CDO Workforce can offer.

Spotlight on: Project Excite
IT/Cybersecurity Grant Program
Information Technology and Cybersecurity Grant, also called Project Excite, is still available!

Students planning to attend training for technical jobs in IT, Cybersecurity, or advanced manufacturing may be eligible for up to a $5,000 scholarship towards tuition or On-the-Job training. 

Project Excite Grant's residency requirement has changed. Specific County residency requirements have been removed. You must only be a NYS resident to qualify.

Project Excite provides funding for:
• Short and long term training in Information Technology, Cybersecurity and Advanced Manufacturing
• Job Placement after completion of the training
• Also available: On-the-Job Training to reimburse businesses for in-house IT training for new employees

Project Excite eligibility requirements:
  • Be a resident of New York State
  • Trainees must already have their high school diploma or equivalency
  • Complete their training by May of 2024

Targeted occupations include: Help Desk Support staff, Computer Programmers, Network Administrators, Cybersecurity staff, and many other Information Technology positions.

At this time Project Excite is collaborating with SUNY Delhi to offer 13 IT and Cybersecurity certifications that are fully funded by Project Excite.

If interested, please check out this link: https://delhi.edu/ceps/project-excite/  

Project Excite is also partnering with Fulton-Montgomery Community College in Johnstown and is offering funding for these in-person degree programs:
  • A.A.S. Computer Information Systems
  • A.S Networking and Cybersecurity
  • A.S. Computer Science
  • Certificate (1-year) – Individual Studies in IT (Internship Required)

For more information please visit: https://www.fmcc.edu/admissions/main/project-excite/  

If you wish to explore other IT related training and/or training providers, please check out https://explore.suny.edu/programs for information on SUNY online programs and search for IT related training.
For Businesses
Businesses: New York College Apprenticeship Network (NYCAN) Grant Can Help You Upskill Your Workforce

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida (WDB/HMO) has partnered with the NYCAN (NY College Apprenticeship Network) grant to reimburse on-the-job training costs for advanced manufacturing companies that have less than 50 employees and a registered apprentice program. 

Wages can be reimbursed at 50% up to $25 an hour for six months of on-the-job training (OJT) with minimum paperwork.

The undirected funding provides many benefits for small to medium-sized manufacturing companies and ensures the apprentice is trained in accordance with the company’s standards and procedures.

If you would like to know how your company can take advantage of this funding or know of a company that would benefit, please contact Meghan McBennett at mmcbennett@working-solutions.org
From Friends of Recovery of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Inc. (FOR-DO): Are you interested in becoming a
'Recovery-Friendly' Employer?

“When selecting businesses to be in the RR-DOCS program, I ensure that they are places that people will have room to grow. I want people to be able to create long lasting careers with businesses that are willing to provide advancement opportunities. So, I’ve been pretty particular in the businesses that we choose because I want them to be places where people feel good.” -Deborah Roberts, RR-DOCS Program Coordinator.

RR-DOCS employers come in all sizes, from small locally owned businesses to large international companies, but they all have room for you to grow.

If you are interested in becoming a recovery friendly employer with access to our incredible pool of job candidates in the RR-DOCS program or are a person in recovery from a substance use disorder looking for employment, contact Deborah at 607-287-8518 or deborah@friendsofrecoverydo.org
BUSINESSES: Register Now to Exhibit at the Southern Tier Region Virtual Career Fair! 

Deadline to register is August 5th.

The Virtual Career Fair will go live on 8/18/2022 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. 
There will be a preview day on 8/17/2022, where jobseekers can view content and job postings and prepare themselves for the “live” event. 
  
Following receipt of exhibiting businesses registrations, businesses will receive an email containing deadlines, important links for accessing the event, login credentials to “create” your booth and a Virtual Career Fair Exhibitors Guide. This guide details information about the event, gives helpful tips and answers many frequently asked questions. Department of Labor staff will be available throughout the process to help you with overall technical assistance.

Businesses: Are You Hiring?
Hold a recruitment event at Norwich CDO Workforce

The Norwich CDO Workforce Center is holding in-person Recruitments for businesses that have job opportunities in Chenango, Delaware or Otsego County.

The Recruitments will take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. 

Job Seekers will be able to meet with the business to discuss openings and apply for positions. 

Businesses who are interested in having a recruitment at the Center can contact Margo Burkett, NYS DOL BSR at 607-432-4800, ext. 125, Margaret.Burkett@labor.ny.gov
Or
Tylena Daniels, Employment & Training Director at 607-334-2201, ext. 128, tdaniels@co.chenango.ny.us

The Norwich Career Center is located at 1 O'Hara Drive, Norwich, NY 13815
Opportunities for Job Seekers
FREE In-Person "Jobs Jump-Start" Training at CDO Workforce: Norwich and Oneonta Career Centers!

Norwich class starts August 29th.
Class size is limited. Register today to ensure your spot!

To register for the Norwich Class: Contact Tylena Daniels at (607) 334-2201 or TDaniels@co.chenango.ny.us

September Dates for Oneonta Career Center class To Be Announced.
To find out more about the Oneonta class or to be put on a registration list: Contact Beth Kilts at (607) 432-4800 x116 or
The New York State Department of Labor will hold a virtual Southern Tier Career Fair on Thursday, August 18th from 11:00am- 2:00pm. More info to come!


The NYS Department of Labor Offers Online Training to Help Job Seekers Navigate their virtual Job Fairs:





ONC BOCES is still accepting applications for their Practical Nursing Program offered at Center Street in Oneonta. Classes begin August 31st!
SUNY Delhi's Office of Continuing Education and Professional Studies is offering a ServSafe workshop! 

Please visit the link to register: https://gck.fm/twpuk

For questions please call 607.746.4545


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Online Learning Resources
Take FREE Self-Paced Skills Training on our Metrix Online Learning Platform!

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

There are more than 6,000 free courses on the self-paced learning platform! There are courses in IT, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business and many more. And you can take as many courses as you want. Some can be completed in less than 30 minutes!

Our Metrix online skills training platform is FREE for all businesses and job seekers in Chenango, Delaware, Otsego, Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties!

The New York State Department of Labor is
offering Free online virtual workshops - New Classes Every Week!

  • Resumes
  • Interviewing
  • Transferable Skills
  • Job Search
  • Networking
  • And lots more!

Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities

Resources For:
  • Job Seekers
  • Community Based Organizations
  • Businesses
  • Parents/Guardians
  • Caregivers
  • School Professionals

Do you have questions about disclosing your disability in the workplace?

Community News & Resources
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has been updated to a three-digit number, 988. This new Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will be available to everyone across the United States and will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 
Governor Hochul Announces Electric and Gas Utility Bill Credit Program for Low-Income Families


Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that a total of $567 million is available to help low-income electric and gas utility customers pay off past utility bills.

The financial assistance program includes an estimated $557 million statewide COVID-19 bill credit program for low-income customers.
Enacted State Budget requires utilities to provide a one-time credit to customers enrolled in the Energy Affordability Program that will eliminate unpaid utility bills that have accrued through May 1, 2022. The program also authorizes the same relief for any eligible low-income customers that enroll in EAP by December 31, 2022.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Learning/Training Grant Opportunities
Workforce Development Board
Learning/Training Grant Programs

Many of these programs are available in up to 17 counties across New York State! There are training opportunities in Manufacturing, IT/Cybersecurity and more...


And Contact Us to Find out how we can help!


We'll be featuring news, incentives, activities, opportunities about our grant programs. You can follow us on Instagram too!

CDO Workforce Virtual & In Person Services
CDO Workforce Virtual Services and In-Person Services by Appointment
"We're Here For You."

Click the county that you reside in to learn more and request services:



Our Services For Job Seekers Include:
>Job search help
>Help with resumes
>Assistance with applying for jobs on-line
>Virtual Job Shadow for youth
>Free online skills training
>Career Coaching
>Youth Program (ages 16-24)
>And More!

We Offer Services for Business Too!

We are your local American Job Center; there is never a charge for our services.
CDO Workforce Business Services Highlights
BUSINESSES: We offer a wide-range of services* for businesses! We can act as an extension of your Human Resources Department. GO HERE learn more and contact us to find out how we can help!

*We are your local American Job Center partner. There is never a charge for our services.
Ongoing Partner Programs & Learning







ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development
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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.