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WDB HMO
News & Opportunities
Stay up to date with the latest job opportunities, training, and more on our website!
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WDB Holds Staff Meeting/ Volunteering Event at the Utica Zoo
On Thursday, August 24th, the WDB held a staff meeting at the Utica Zoo.
WDB Director of Analytics/Placement Coordinator Austen Johnson provided an overview of the WDB's plan to expand its use of Smartsheet software, which is a computer program that enables teams to manage projects, automate processes and scale programs. The expansion is intended to streamline processes and better serve WDB customers.
WDB Disability Resource Coordinator Nicole Sortino presented on the WDB's NY Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (SCION) grant, including information on "person first" language, types and definitions of disabilities, serving customers with a disability, helpful videos and online resources and more. (More information about Nicole's presentation is in this newsletter's Spotlight on Workers with a Disability Feature section, below.)
After the meeting staff were provided with a volunteering opportunity at the Zoo.
WDB Executive Director Alice Savino said, "Special thanks to my Executive Assistant, Julie Ford, for all of her efforts-- including the meeting planning, logistics and serving as A/V tech. And also for coordinating our delicious picnic lunch.
"I would also like to extend my thanks to our Presenters, Nicole & Austen, for the valuable information they provided. They both did a great job.
"The weather limited our volunteer activities, but we were able to get some tables & fencing painted. Everyone enjoyed the zoo, and the new addition to the Visitor's Center was great for meeting space."
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The Workforce Development Board Welcomes New Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant Case Manager Brianne Nobile
A little about Brianne:
"My name is Brianne Nobile and I come to the Workforce Development Board with eagerness to help those who are in need.
"I attended Herkimer County Community College to pursue a Human Services Associates degree after graduating high school. After college I wasn’t sure where I wanted to start my journey, shortly after I was offered a position in banking at First Source Federal Credit Union. I was employed there the last five years which allowed me to learn and gain a lot of knowledge. However, I knew my purpose there was coming to an end so I began looking for opportunities elsewhere that would not only better serve me but, would also allow me to better serve individuals by entering a career in Human Services.
"I also volunteer every year to be a part of my friends haunted attraction, Crooked Descent Horror, as an actress. In my free time I enjoy being outside in the sun, traveling, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music.
"Growing up I have always had a helping and caring nature, which is why I truly believe my purpose is to help individuals who are in need of any support. I am filled with excitement to be a part of the Workforce Development Board and to be able to pursue a career where the goal is to genuinely help individuals succeed in life. I cannot wait to see where this new journey takes me all while doing something I wholeheartedly love and value."
Welcome, Brianne!!
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The Workforce Development Board Welcomes Karin Piseck
Karin Piseck has worked for the Employment & Training Office in Herkimer County for over 30 years and was the Herkimer Working Solutions Manager for 15. She recently retired from this position, but is now working on a part time basis for Herkimer County assisting in the transition to a new manager there. In addition, Karin will be working for the WDB, also on a part time basis, to review and monitor OSOS data for the HMO [Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties] and CDO [Chenango, Delaware, Otsego Counties] areas.
Karin says, “I am very happy to be able to continue in our system in a new capacity. Because of my familiarity with the data and reporting requirements, I am hopeful that I can assist managers and staff in improving our already great performance measures.”
Welcome, Karin!!
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Recruitment Partnership: WDB Helps Create "Best Event We [Vecino Group] Have Hosted Nationwide"
The WDB recently partnered with Vecino Construction Group and People First for a General Laborer/Construction hiring event that was held on August 22nd at 700 Broad Street, Utica, NY.
Vecino Group is in partnership with People First, formerly Utica Municipal Housing Authority. The location of the event, 700 Broad Street, is part of People First’s IMPACT Utica, an affordable housing initiative. Vecino Group will develop the property and then People First will operate it.
Vecino Construction President Mike Willemsen says, "We have been hosting hiring events like this in other communities and have never seen the outpouring support that we got here in Utica. This event was the best event we have hosted nationwide. I attribute a lot of this to the amazing efforts of the Working Solutions team and the incredible sense of community here in Oneida County."
WDB Business Services Representative Caitlin McSorley says, “We are grateful for the partnership with Vecino which has resulted in a fruitful recruiting event for our job seekers. The recent event was attended by 43 applicants, many of which have since been placed in employment opportunities, or have been enrolled in additional trainings and other grant funded programming. The Workforce Development Board has worked tirelessly to ensure these individuals are set up for success in their new roles by providing over 30 individuals with OSHA certifications prior to the event. We look forward to continuing the partnership with Vecino to achieve our shared goal of enriching the community."
Submitted by Caitlin McSorley
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Virtual Job Fair Tuesday, Sept., 26th from 11am to 1pm
All businesses and job seekers in the following counties: Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Chenango, Delaware, and Otsego.
There will also be staff available from our training grant programs to talk to job seekers about how our free programs can help job seekers get started in a satisfying and good paying career.
“As Summer comes to a close, we are excited to re-introduce our Virtual Job Fair,” says Project Director Sommer Edwards. “As it turns out, a vacation was all that was needed to bring new energy to our workforce, and with that, we are seeing more job seekers now than we have in several years.
“The Workforce Development Board and its grant programs have been working hard all Summer to train a new and emerging workforce to fit your employment needs. We are excited to offer this platform to both our job seekers and employer partners from the comfort of your own device. If you are unemployed, or underemployed, and are looking for new career opportunities, register today! We encourage employers with current openings to take advantage of this event as well. It’s as simple as following the link on the flyer or scanning the QR code to sign up.
“If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about what FREE services are available through the Workforce Development Board, contact us today, or visit our website to learn more, https://www.working-solutions.org/.”
The link to register is below:
https://pvapi.premiervirtual.com/s/dolGYx
(Businesses select: “Organization” // Job Seekers select: “Attendee”)
For more information, contact RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards at 315.207.6951 ext. 133 or sedwards@working-solutions.org
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Spotlight on Workers with a Disability | |
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Disability Information and Resources
WDB Disability Resource Coordinator (DRC) Nicole Sortino recently presented to WDB staff on the WDB's NY Systems Change and Inclusive Opportunities Network (SCION) grant, providing valuable information on "person first" language, types and definitions of disabilities, serving customers with a disability, helpful videos and online resources and more.
"Many of the WDB programs have an intake process that includes a question on whether or not the client has a disability," says Nicole. "Part of the goal of the NYSCION presentation is to educate our staff on why this question is included in their intake, and how to speak about it with their clients.
"Many jobseekers may feel hesitant to self-attest to a disability because they aren’t sure why this question matters, or whether it impacts their ability to secure employment.
"If a client chooses to self-attest to having a disability, it activates the service of the Disability Resource Coordinator (DRC). One of the major goals of NYSCION is to facilitate the Integrated Resource Team (IRT) model.
"We recognize that each individual is complex and varied, and that a one-size fits all approach will not meet the needs of our clients. The IRT allows the DRC to collaborate with the client and their service providers to ensure a unified person centered approach that assists the client in navigating complex systems and connects them with essential resources."
Resources and Videos Provided in the Presentation:
For more information, contact Nicole at 315.207.6951 ext. 139 or nsortino@working-solutions.org
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Community & Workforce News & Events | |
The Marcy Nanocenter at SUNY Polytechnic Institute | |
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Viewpoint: The Mohawk Valley in Motion,
from the CNY Business Journal
"The Mohawk Valley region’s economic landscape has undergone a dramatic change that has turned pessimism and cynicism into confidence and progress, with more than $2 billion in public and private investment already committed to revitalizing the area."
Read the Article
Photo Courtesy Mohawk Valley EDGE
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SBDC and thINCubator Now Share a Co-Branded website
The SBDC and thINCubator now share a co-branded website (thincubator.co) and one common intake form, which can be completed online or over the phone,so businesses are paired with the person from either organization best able to help them.
Read the Article at CNYBJ
Photo Courtesy thincubator.co
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BUSINESSES:
WE 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.
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NEW: Virtual Career Center for Businesses
from the NYS Department of Labor
"Use AI to hire for potential. Fast.
"Our Virtual Career Center is powered by advanced artificial intelligence to target the best candidates to meet your needs!"
GO HERE TO LEARN MORE
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Job Seeker Opportunities & Resources | |
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Amazon Warehouse in Frankfort, NY is Hiring
Frankfort location: 120 Business Park Dr., Frankfort
Apply Here
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YouthBuild Construction Training Grant Enrolling Now
“We are seeking individuals who are looking to gain an education and training within the construction field to better pave a career path for themselves," says YouthBuild Program Director Grant Calogero.
The grant provides job training and educational opportunities for youth ages 18-24 who are residents of the city of Utica and who have previously dropped out of high school.
Youth will split their time between the training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for post-secondary training opportunities. These include college, apprenticeships, and employment.
The program includes significant support systems, such as mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.
To learn more and how to participate, contact Grant Calogero at GCalogero@working-solutions.org or call 315-207-6951 extension 109.
The total cost of this YouthBuild Program is $1.5 million dollars; (100%) funded through a United States Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grant.
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Workforce Development Training Grant Programs: NOW ENROLLING! | |
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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.
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Happy September!
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
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Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.
209 Elizabeth Street
Utica, NY 13501
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Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
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