September 2023

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.
Visit our Website

CDO Workforce is Hiring!

We Are Now Recruiting for a Disability Resource Coordinator and a Business Services Representative!


GO HERE FOR DETAILS


Staff and Partner News & Events

Congratulations to William Haines, Disabled Veteran Outreach Program (DVOP) Specialist for the Department of Labor’s Norwich and Oneonta Offices.


On July 21, 2023, at the American Legion, Department of New York 105th Annual Convention in Westchester, NY, Bill was presented with the American Legion Annual National Employment Service Award (DVOP of the Year for New York State). 


Thank you for all you do to serve the Veterans in our three counties. 


--Submitted by Cheri Hess

Supervising Labor Services Representative

New York State Department of Labor | Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions

Welcome Back, Alan Sessions!


Alan Sessions left his full-time role as Placement Coordinator for the Rural Healthcare Training Grant and Project Excite IT/Cybersecurity grant projects on June 30th. We're happy to announce that he returned on August 1st as a part-time Case Coordinator for the same two grants--two days a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.


He’s been with us in a variety of roles since 2015. Prior to that he was with NYSDOL as a Business Services Rep. for 38 years.


Alan is also involved with the Otsego Refugee Resettlement Coalition, as their Employment Committee Chair. He recently met with two refugees from Africa and discussed local employment opportunities. The individuals were very interested in production related work and he was able to arrange a plant tour of a local manufacturer for possible employment purposes.


Welcome Back, Alan!!


To contact Alan, email: cdoworkforce@gmail.com

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



Out-of-School Youth Program - Success!



“S” came to the Out-of-School Youth Program (OSYP) in June of 2022 with the goal of getting his High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma and becoming an elementary school teacher. He attained his HSE Diploma in November of the same year. He went on to his first semester of college at the Norwich extension of Morrisville State College for the spring 2023 semester, attaining a GPA of 3.91. “S” participated in a Work Experience at Perry Browne Intermediate School during this semester, working with the science teacher. He received nothing but positive evaluations. He never missed a day, was never late, picked up his requirements quickly, learned to anticipate what needed to be done, and built a positive rapport with both students and staff.


Along the way, “S” relied heavily on his Youth Counselor to help with attaining his goals. By mid-semester, he was encouraged to visit the SUNY Oneonta campus and website to see if it was a good fit for him. It was explained that he risked the possibility of having to attend college for nine semesters to complete his degree program. He expressed some hesitation in moving on to a four-year school, but finally took the step to drive to Oneonta from his home in Norwich. After his visit, he called the admissions office with assistance from his Youth Counselor, to set up an appointment. Prior to the appointment date, he decided he wanted to challenge himself and go on his own. From that point onward, he completed all necessary steps independently of any further assistance from his Youth Counselor.



“S” started his first day at SUNY Oneonta on August 28th, enrolled in the Childhood Education Program. Throughout his involvement with the OSYP, he has always been polite and very appreciative of any supportive services offered to him, never taking any support, monetary and otherwise, for granted. It has been very fulfilling to see a young man come into the program unsure of himself or how to attain his goals, to becoming fully self-reliant in determining the course of his future. 


CONGRATULATIONS, "S"!!



Submitted by Silke Mahardy, Employment and Training Counselor

Spotlight on Workers with a Disability

Disability Information and Resources


Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Inc., 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

For Businesses

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


Businesses: Our 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

"New York is investing in child care heroes! Calling all child care providers: apply for funding that can go towards staff bonus payments ranging from $2,300 to $3,000."

Learn More

Delaware County Small Business Resource Fair


Event by Delaware County Chamber of Commerce


  • An afternoon of conversation and information-sharing.
  • Network and learn about community and government resources available for helping small businesses, start-ups, and entrepreneurs.
  • Talk directly with representatives from small business and entrepreneur support organizations about how they can help you.
  • Presentations to grow your business, including Leveraging Digital Advertising to Promote Your Business and Get a 360° View of Your Business
  • FREE and open to all businesses and entrepreneurs



THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 AT 4 PM – 6 PM

Community Cultural Center in Sidney


Learn More

Learning/Training Grant Opportunities

Workforce Development Board

Learning/Training Grant Programs for Job Seekers and Incentives for Businesses


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


Go Here to See our Learning/Training Grant Progras


And Contact Us to Find out how we can help!



FOLLOW OUR LEARNING GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FACEBOOK PAGE!

Keep up to date on news, incentives, activities, opportunities about our grant programs. You can follow us on Instagram too!


Opportunities for Job Seekers


FREE In-Person Workshops at CDO Workforce



Oneonta


Tuesday, September 19th at 2pm: Beat the Bot Workshop- Learn how businesses use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan through thousands of resumes in seconds, and how you can beat the bot, get your resume noticed and secure that interview! Call 607-432-4800 to register. Learn more/download the flyer.


Thursday, September 21st at 12pm Job Search Ready Workshop - This workshop will work on different job search strategies, preparing a targeted resume, interview skill development, and networking tips to get you back to work or to find the job of your dreams. Bring your resume, electronic copy preferred. Call 607-432-4800 to register. Learn more/download the flyer.



Norwich

Thursday, September 14th Job Search Ready- This workshop will work on different job search strategies, preparing a targeted resume, interview skill development, and networking tips to get you back to work or to find the job of your dreams. A small employer recruitment will take place immediately after the Workshop to give participants a chance to meet with employers. Bring your resume, electronic copy preferred. Call 607-334-2201 Ext. 127 to register. Learn more/download the flyer.


Thursday, September 28th at 2pm Beat the Bot Workshop- Learn how businesses use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan through thousands of resumes in seconds, and how you can beat the bot, get your resume noticed and secure that interview! Call 607-334-2201 Ext. 127 to register. Learn more/download the flyer.

Watch the Video

Food Handler and Manager Courses to be Offered


The Chamber has teamed with The Office for Continuing Education

and Professional Studies at SUNY Delhi to offer ServSafe courses.

ServSafe

Manager Certification


November 13

(register by October 13)


Register HERE


ServSafe

Food Handler Certification


October 23

(register by October 7)


Register HERE


www.oncboces.org/Jobs

Send an Email

EMAIL Deborah

SUNY Delhi's Office of Continuing Education and Professional Studies: Opportunity for individuals to earn certification in the following Business and IT Programs - Costs covered by the Project Excite Grant! 


This program is 100% funded by Project Excite, a United States Department of Labor H-1B One Workforce Grant. Individuals who are at least 18 years old, with at least a high school level education, and are NYS residents are able to be funded up to $3,000 per person toward earning certifications in the IT field, to be completed no later than May 2024. 


The following courses and their certifications that we offer are all 100% online and are all eligible for this grant! Interested individuals should fill out the H-1B Grant Program Registration and, once approved, we will contact you and register you for your selected course. Visit https://www.delhi.edu/ceps/project-excite/index.php for full course descriptions, prerequisites, and requirements.


To start the enrollment process, register online for the Project Excite (IT/Cybersecurity Training Funding) Grant: www.joinprojectexcite.com 


Please contact the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Studies with any questions about this excellent opportunity! 607-746-4545  Or email Project Excite at alam@working-solutions.org



** Training is appropriate for students without IT work experience.

Go HERE to See Our Featured Job Opportunities!

Online Learning Resources

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

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


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


SEE THE AUGUST CALENDAR


GO HERE TO LEARN MORE

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

Visit the CDO Workforce

Partners' Page

Happy September!

Next Month's Issue:
Do you have something you'd like to share-- an opportunity, event or staff or community news? Something for the calendar? Please email Jodi Delapaz,
Subscribe to Our Blog
DYK you can subscribe to our blog to get an email notification whenever we post "breaking news" and new events and opportunities throughout the month?

Subscribe (Follow the link and click the 'envelope' icon.)
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.
Facebook  Twitter