How the WDB HMO

Invests in Local Talent and Builds Stronger Communities

Spotlight: The WDB HMO's Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant Project 

Every year, the WDB HMO connects hundreds of residents to jobs, skills training, and career opportunities. These investments don’t just change lives, they strengthen our local economy, helping businesses grow and our community thrive.

Our board serves as a bridge between employers, jobseekers, educators, and training providers. We ensure that public workforce dollars are invested strategically so that local businesses can find skilled workers, and residents can access the training and support they need to access pathways to family-sustaining employment.

Each year, our board achieves remarkable results partnering with local employers and schools to provide customized training programs and upskilling opportunities that help local jobseekers secure employment in high-demand fields.

Last year, through our RADAR initiative alone, we assisted 354 individuals, with 334 accessing career and technical education to pursue careers in Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Human Services, and Healthcare.

• 180 residents enrolled in trades-related training

• 50 pursued training in advanced manufacturing

• 20 focused on human services

• 3 entered the field of information technology

• 81 received training in healthcare

253 individuals have gained employment so far, with 177 of them entering a Registered Apprenticeship Program as part of their career advancement.

National Workforce Development Month is a time to recognize the transformative power of programs like ours across the country.

We call on local leaders, businesses, and community partners to continue supporting workforce development programs that create opportunities for all.

By investing in skills training, apprenticeships, and career pathways, we can ensure that Mohawk Valley residents are prepared for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.

Workforce development is about more than employment. It’s about building stronger communities, fostering opportunity, and empowering people to reach their potential.

This September, we celebrate the difference our local workforce board makes every day in Herkimer, Madison and Oneida counties, and we invite our community to join us in this work. Learn more at www.working-solutions.org or www.nawb.org.

Herkimer County Summer Youth Employment Program Success

By Employment & Training Director Nicole Wilson

The 2025 Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)* saw another successful year! Through the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s SYEP grant, Herkimer County was able to successfully employ 94 youth between the ages of 14-20 at Herkimer BOCES and various community-based worksites. This program gives our youth and young adults the opportunity to learn valuable work-based skills, while also networking and giving back to their community through their work. Looking forward to 2026!

*This program is available at all Working Solutions locations.

The WDB HMO Announces a New Trades Program to Help Local Job Seekers Become

Qualified to Enter Union Apprenticeships

📣 Attention All Pathway Home 2 Enrollees!



The Pathway Home 2 Program Team wants to remind you that you are still enrolled in the program, and there’s still time to receive your employment incentives!

✅ Are you currently employed?

If so, provide proof of employment through a weekly, bi-weekly pay stub, or your W-2 for the year. You may qualify for an incentive of up to $400 — that’s $100 or more for each quarter that you’ve worked!

⏳ The program ends on September 30, 2025 — only 2 months remaining to take advantage of this opportunity!

📞 Call us today at Ext. 106 or Ext. 134

📍 Or stop by our office — processing takes just two days!

It’s that easy. We look forward to hearing from you!

— Pathway Home 2 Program Team

📣 Attention All Pathway Home 2 Enrollees!



The Pathway Home 2 Program Team wants to remind you that you are still enrolled in the program, and there’s still time to receive your employment incentives!

✅ Are you currently employed?

If so, provide proof of employment through a weekly, bi-weekly pay stub, or your W-2 for the year. You may qualify for an incentive of up to $400 — that’s $100 or more for each quarter that you’ve worked!

⏳ The program ends on September 30, 2025 — only 2 months remaining to take advantage of this opportunity!

📞 Call us today at Ext. 106 or Ext. 134

📍 Or stop by our office — processing takes just two days!

It’s that easy. We look forward to hearing from you!

— Pathway Home 2 Program Team

GO HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

GO HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY OF THE SURVEY

Businesses and Job Seekers Register is HERE

Location: Utica - Date: Sept. 11th

Location: Utica - Date: Sept. 17th

Location: Rome - Date: Sept. 18th

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.

FREE Online Skills Training

Increase your Skills, Beef Up Your Resume and Stand Apart from the Crowd:

Take Classes for FREE on our Metrix Online Learning Platform!

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 lots 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 Counties!

View the Catalog Here

SIGN UP HERE

GO HERE TO SEE MORE TRAINING AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES

https://www.herkimercountyny.gov/employment/working-solutions/

FREE Job Seeker Resources

VALUABLE ONLINE RESOURCES provided by the WDB/Working Solutions.

Save the date!

September 23, 2025– NYS Department of Labor Central NY/Mohawk Valley Regional Virtual Career Fair. More information to come.

Seasonal Fall Jobs Are Coming!

School is just around the corner and fall seasonal jobs will soon need to be filled. Whether you’re a student looking for work in a new town, or you just want to supplement your income with a side-hustle, our Seasonal Jobs Bank has thousands of jobs waiting to be filled right now!

To find a great seasonal job in your area, visit seasonalworks.labor.ny.gov

Happy September!

Next Month's Issue:

Do you have something you'd like to share? A hiring event, learning/training opportunity, announcement, or community news? Photos are always welcome! Please email Jodi Delapaz,

Communications Coordinator:

jdelapaz@working-solutions.org

Workforce Development Board,

Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties, Inc.

209 Elizabeth Street

Utica, NY 13501

www.working-solutions.org

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.