The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) awarded over $7 million in workforce development grants to boost skills training and employment opportunities across the state. These grants directly support businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits in delivering high-quality training programs which focus on enhancing job readiness, closing skills gaps, and promoting career advancement. The awards also focus on programming that will help New Yorkers in disadvantaged communities, particularly the unemployed, underemployed, veterans, low-income residents and others facing employment barriers.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “These grants represent our commitment to strengthening New York State’s workforce by providing opportunities for skill development and job advancement. By investing in training and education, we are not only supporting individual career growth but also addressing critical workforce needs across the state. This funding will have a profound impact on both our communities and our economy, ensuring that New York remains competitive and prosperous.”
In the Finger Lakes region, a total of $1,072,000 was awarded to:
•Foodlink, Inc. – $300,000 Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
•Eastman Kodak Company – $285,000 Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
•Rochester Tooling and Machining Institute (RTMI)/Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA) – $195,000 Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
•Foodlink, Inc. – $162,000 Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
•NYSARC Inc. Ontario County Chapter – $90,000 Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
•Ideal Manufacturing Inc. $40,000 – Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI)
With more than 17,000 apprentices participating in around 900 registered apprenticeship programs, New York State continues to be a national leader in providing viable pathways to exciting new careers. NYSDOL also recently announced critical overhauls to the apprenticeship model that will enhance access to registered programs.
Registered apprenticeships span all industries, including clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, information technology, financial services, childcare, K-12 education, transportation, engineering, and advanced manufacturing. These programs have proven to help employers retain the staff that compete the programs. According to the United States Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices continue on with their employer after completing a Registered Apprenticeship program with an average starting salary of $80,000.
Individuals can find more information about apprenticeship opportunities at https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. While New York State businesses can visit NYSDOL’s dedicated page for grant funding opportunities at https://dol.ny.gov/funding-opportunities-0.
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