February 2022
News & Opportunities
Workforce News - Free Training - Job Opportunities - Tips & Resources - And More!
We are your local American Job Center partner. There is never a charge for our services.
CDO Workforce and Partner News
The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Names 
New President & CEO

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce recently announced Sean R. Lewis as their new President & CEO. He replaces interim CEO Al Rubin, who has been operating the organization since the departure of Barbara Ann Heegan in December of 2020.

Sean recently ended a 23-year career in media sales, management and leadership roles including the recent position of Publisher, the release says. "A proponent of Servant Leadership, Sean will be focusing on the needs of the local membership and the support of all local organizations who work together to create a thriving business community."

CONGRATULATIONS, SEAN!
Photo Courtesy Otsego Chamber
Did You Miss our Webinar: Workforce Services for Businesses?

On January 12th, CDO Workforce teamed up with Commerce Chenango, Otsego County Chamber of Commerce and Delaware County Economic Development to present a webinar called "Workforce Services for Businesses."

Many local area businesses attended to learn how about the services our organizations offer to businesses, how we can help businesses find and train new employees, and how we can support and help businesses maximize your investment in employees.

If you weren't able to make it to the webinar, you can CLICK HERE to view the recording.

And CONTACT US to find out how we can help!
Women in Apprenticeship and Non-traditional Occupations (WANTO) Grant Participant Success Story!

Throughout the last several months, the Workforce Development Board's WANTO grant has witnessed the success of many women as they have enrolled in and completed training to jumpstart a career in a new occupation.

This month, WANTO is pleased to highlight Khadijah Ballard. Khadijah has proven to lead by example in her endeavor to complete training and prepare for the Trades.

Throughout the course, Khadijah faced many challenges, which would have otherwise discouraged many from completing the program however, she persevered as she graduated with both a Trades Pre-Apprenticeship and OSHA 10 certification.

Khadijah has not only completed our program but has also shown tremendous personal growth as well. Before WANTO, Khadijah had a rather pessimistic view of life however, being incarcerated gave her the time to reflect and take ownership over her actions. She mentions that going forward as she is faced with trials, she reminds herself, “this is not my life, this is a life situation.”

When asked about her experience with WANTO, Khadijah added, “I was allowed to prove people wrong, and gain confidence in my ability to gain financial security as well as provide an avenue for me to have another chance at success, in a judgment-free zone.”

Khadijah has since met with numerous employers as she decides what her next steps will be. However, her main goal is to become an advocate for individuals looking to make a similar change, as well as be a part of a solution to give back to her community through acts of kindness and mentorship.

CONGRATULATIONS, KHADIJAH! 

Story submitted by WANTO Pre-Apprenticeship Counselor Sommer Edwards.
Photo Courtesy Khadijah

The WANTO program is 100% funded by a United States Department of Labor grant administered by the Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration of $716,676.00.
WANTO January Virtual Career Fair - SUCCESS!

The Workforce Development Board's Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant virtual career fair held on January 12th was a great event-- with 23 businesses attending and 125 job seekers registered. 

Job Seekers were able to view and apply for job opportunities and connect one-on-one with representatives from the following businesses:
  • St. Margaret's Corporation
  • ACHIEVE
  • NY Project Hope
  • WANTO- Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations
  • New York State Police
  • LOCAL 669-JATC
  • Chobani
  • Cancer Services Program of the Central Region
  • CNY ETA
  • Green Empire Farms
  • UPSCO, Inc.
  • New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
  • Upstate Cerebral Palsy
  • Indium Corporation
  • Westchester Putnam Career Center
  • International Paper
  • North Atlantic States Carpenters Labor Management
  • Aleut Electric LLC
  • Oneida County Sheriff's Office
  • New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
  • NYS Office of Children and Family Services
  • Oneonta Job Corps-Admissions
  • Corning Incorporated

Job seekers were also able to speak with our WANTO grant staff about the WANTO grant and how WANTO can help them jumpstart their careers. 


The WANTO grant program is available in the following counties: Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Tompkins.

Businesses and Job Seekers in these counties are invited to register! 

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant interviewed Renee to learn more about her experience as a Painter Apprentice at Strategic Global Aviation, LLC. See what Renee has to say about her experience!


The WANTO program is 100% funded by a United States Department of Labor grant administered by the Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration of $716,676.00.
State of the State 2022

Governor, Kathy Hochul shared her State of the State on January 5th, which included a wide range of proposals that will directly impact the structure and funding for the workforce system. 


NYATEP's Statewide Workforce Equity Analysis Tool (SWEAT)
"How hard are we really working to make our workplaces
more diverse, equitable, and inclusive?"

From NYATEP: "SWEAT Scan captures information from workforce development organizations across NYS. Data we are examining include:
• Employee demographic data
• Organizational mission
• Leadership training program communications (e.g., websites, digital announcements)
• DEI training program communications (e.g., websites, digital announcements)
• Organizational DEI efforts
• Training programs
• Internship programs
• Key stakeholder data (e.g., clients, customers, students)
• Vendor relationships

All the information aggregated from organizations across the state will provide a powerful baseline from which we can all begin to move forward more inclusively than we ever have before.


Questions?
Contact: Evelyn Ortiz, NYATEP Deputy Director at eortiz@nyatep.org

The SWEAT Scan closes on February 15th. 
WANTO Career Fair - February 9th
You're Invited to the Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Career Fair Happening on Wednesday, February 9th, from 11:00am to 1:00pm!



The WDB/HMO’s WANTO grant helps recruit, train, and retain women in quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, and encourages them to pursue apprenticeships and nontraditional occupations. The program offers a unique opportunity to females who are interested in any nontraditional occupation. A nontraditional occupation is any career in which females make up 25% or less of the workforce, including but not limited to: advanced manufacturing, information technology (IT), public safety, transportation, agriculture, and the trades. By participating in WANTO, women can pave the way for themselves and future generations to be valuable employees in these fields.

This program is available in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

We hope that you can join us!
Featured Job Opportunities
More Resources & Opportunities
Delaware CDO Workforce Partners with Local Libraries

Delaware County CDO Workforce is partnering with local libraries to bring career services closer to job seekers. Staffed by Jason Stanton, Employment and Training Coordinator. While Jason specializes in assisting young adults, ages 16-24, he can assist local residents of all ages in finding the services and resources they need to find meaningful employment. Walk-ins are encouraged. For more information, call Jason at (607) 832-5497, email Jason.stanton@co.delaware.ny.us
Mondays:

Delhi
9:00 am-12:00 pm
CDO Workforce
1 Court Street

Stamford
1:00-5:00 pm
Stamford Village Library
117 Main Street

Tuesdays - Sidney
9:00 am-4:00 pm
CDO Workforce
21 Liberty Street
Wednesdays:

Delhi
9:00 am-12:00 pm
CDO Workforce
1 Court Street

Margaretville
1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Fairview Library
43 Walnut Street

Thursdays - Hancock
11:00 am-3:00pm
The Louise Adelia Read Library
104 Read Street

Fridays - Delhi
9:00 am-4:30 pm
CDO Workforce
1 Court Street
ICYMI: NYS “Nurses for Our Future” Scholarship-- DEADLINE February 5, 2022

The “Nurses for Our Future” Scholarship will cover tuition for 1,000 new or current healthcare workers to earn an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) at a two-year or four-year New York State public college or university.

• Up to 500 scholarships will be awarded for out-of-state licensed nurses who relocate and practice in New York State to earn a BSN.
• Up to 250 scholarships will be awarded for New York State licensed nurses to earn a BSN. Up to 250 scholarships will be awarded to New York State residents newly seeking an ADN.

Scholarships will cover the actual tuition charged by the public college or university for four full-time semesters. Awards will be pro-rated for recipients attending less than full-time. Scholarships will not cover other costs of attendance, including fees, room-and-board, or other expenses.

Commerce Chenango Offering
Notary Public Exam Preparation Workshop (Virtual)

When: February 18, 2022
9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Cost: General Public/$100.00 (materials are included)
Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. (Cost does not include the notary state exam.)

RSVP to 607-334-1400 or email to register@chenangony.org.
RSVP is required by 2/11/22.
Hartwick College to Offer $140,000 Scholarships to Nursing Students

Starting fall of 2022, The Hartwick "Heroes Award" will provide a minimum of $140,000, payable over four years, toward the tuition of all incoming students accepted into its nursing program,

"This award reaffirms the College’s commitment to developing nurses who are ready to make an impact immediately upon entering the workforce, while easing the financial burden they often face after graduation," the College said in a release.

4 essential resume tips to help boost your job search

And Contact CDO Workforce for help with your resume and other helpful services!

We are your local American Job Center partner; there is never a charge for our services.
The New York State Department of Labor is offering free online virtual workshops

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

Do you want to learn new computer skills? Learn for FREE on our Metrix Online Learning Platform!

  • There are more than 5,000 free courses on the platform!
  • Take as many as you want!
  • Beef up your resume!

Some can be completed in 30 minutes or less! There are courses in IT, Healthcare, Business and many more.

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

Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities
Webinar: Expanding Your Talent Pool: Disability Inclusion in Advanced Manufacturing

Date: Wednesday, February 16, 2022
2:00 PM - 03:00 PM Eastern

From EARN:
Advanced manufacturing — the creation of components of cutting-edge technologies, energy systems and vehicles — is a growth industry in the U.S. Companies need new workers to power the expansion of this burgeoning field, and people with disabilities can offer a key talent pool with the specific skills manufacturers need. Diverse companies experience benefits like greater returns on investment, lower turnover and increased productivity.

In this webinar, participants will hear from companies in the advanced manufacturing field that have successful track records of hiring workers with disabilities. They will share how they recruit, hire, integrate and support workers with disabilities in a manufacturing setting. Topics will include:

  • Ways advanced manufacturers have successfully identified candidates and hired employees with disabilities; 
  • Paths for training and advancement that advanced manufacturing companies provide for employees with disabilities, such as apprenticeships and internships; and 
  • How and why employees with disabilities thrive at advanced manufacturing companies, including employees with specific disabilities, such as autism and other neurodiverse conditions. 

Resources for Parents, Guardians and Care Givers on YourDreamYourTeam.com

Go here to see helpful information, best practices and resources to help individuals with disabilities, and especially youth, along their career path.

Martin Luther King Junior’s Impact on a Disability Rights Advocate

In January, the Northeast ADA Center remembered and honored the life and work of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior.

From the Northeast ADA Center: "His work also had a profound effect on the disability rights movement. Western New York advocate B.J. Stasio took a vacation to tour the Martin Luther King Junior Memorial in Washington DC. Stasio says he wanted to honor King for his sacrifice and work."

CDO Workforce
Disability-Related Resources
Check out our helpful articles and resources for businesses about hiring workers with disabilities and for job seekers with a disability.
Integrated Resource Teams (IRT) can help job seekers with a disability along their career path. Visit our "Your Dream, Your Team" toolkit for information and free downloadable resources.

We also have a large repository of Community Resources HERE.
Business News
DCMO BOCES Internship Program

DCMO BOCES received funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to implement a pilot program that will help transition students from high school to careers locally. 

Most of the $112,000 grant will offset the cost of paid internships for students during the summer of 2022. In addition, five employers will be selected to receive a $5,000 stipend to implement a plan that improves graduates opportunities to remain employed after the internship program.  

This effort aims at improving the opportunities for high school students who wish to remain locally to be hired and supported to launch their career path with local employers. 

Community Resources
Greater Opportunities for Broome and Chenango, Inc.
Budget Services Program

"Budgeting Services is to help individuals and families become financially sound so they can enjoy their day-to-day life, have money available for life’s uncertain situations, become homeowners, and invest in their future and back into our community."

What is it?
"Our Budgeting Program, as part of our HUD Counseling services, will help you review all your expenses, identity areas that need assistance, and create a timeline to gradually bring you out of debt."

Who is it for?
Individuals and families are looking to grow their financial knowledge and adopt tools to help them live a financially sound life.

How does this benefit you?
Learn how to budget your expenses in a way that is feasible for you
Get out of debt
Grow your financial freedom
Repair your credit score

Workforce Development Institute Child Care Subsidy Program

From the Community Action Partnership National Office: Child Tax Credit

It's not too late for families to take advantage of up to $3,600 per child afforded by the Child Tax Credit — all you need to do is file a 2021 tax return.

Find a free File location here: tinyurl.com/2p9yfsrc 
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Hartwick College serves as an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program!

They are the only VITA/TCE site in the region to offer ALL YEAR no-cost tax service.


Contact Hartwick's VITA program today at vita@hartwick.edu.
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 Healthcare, 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
Bassett Healthcare







ACCES-VR assists individuals with disabilities to prepare for, achieve and maintain employment through training, education, rehabilitation, and career development
Happy February!
Next Month's Issue:
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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.