The New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development has awarded more than $15.5 million in additional grants to support five projects across Upstate New York through the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance Operating Grant Programs.
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These grants will support the training of more than 2,100 workers through collaboration between training providers and more than 30 employer partners in high demand fields such as advanced manufacturing, construction, nanotechnology, and clean and renewable energy.
The Office, which operates under Empire State Development, supports industry-driven workforce development programs and practices to ensure that more New Yorkers have the skills for good, family sustaining jobs in the state's fastest growing industries.
The grants awarded to five projects will support employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs and reward innovative approaches and best practices that reduce the barriers to participation for high-need communities.
The $115 million Pay for Performance Operating Grant Program has flexible funding to help providers cover programmatic expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services to prepare New Yorkers with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials.
The $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program supports the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings.
These grant programs allow workforce training providers to expand the capacity of successful programs with high placement rates and effective wraparound services.
Round Seven Awardees:
Manufacturer's Association of Central New York (MACNY) – Central New York, Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, Western New York – $6.5 Million (Pay for Performance Operating Grant)
Grant funding will help MACNY scale the Mohawk Valley's successful Real Life Rosies and Advance 2 Apprenticeship programs to five additional regions over two years, in partnership with local SUNY community colleges.
Both programs are New York State Department of Labor-recognized direct entry programs, which seek to enroll women, people with disabilities, and other historically marginalized populations in advanced manufacturing pre-apprenticeship training.
The Real Life Rosies pilot program, previously funded by OSWD, has met or exceeded all outlined goals, introducing more than 100 trainees to advanced manufacturing careers.
This new expansion will scale the original pre-apprenticeship in advanced manufacturing, and develop six new pathways in nanotechnology, semiconductor, biopharmaceutical, and green/clean energy.
Clinton-Essex-Warren-Washington (CVES) BOCES – North Country – $3 Million (Workforce Development Capital Grant)
Funding will support the construction of a new career and technical education (CTE) center.
Programming at the original space will continue until the new facility is completed, allowing for uninterrupted training and development with the goal of enrolling qualified applicants.
OSWD funding will specifically support the construction of training spaces for programs in construction, software and digital media, and advanced manufacturing.
Questar III BOCES – Capital Region – $3 Million (Workforce Development Capital Grant)
Funding will support the expansion and modernization of the Donald R. Kline Technical School in Hudson, Columbia County.
The project will increase capacity in the existing welding, HVAC and construction technology labs, and build new lab spaces for electrical and plumbing trades programs.
All students will receive OSHA-10 certification and relevant industry credentials and opportunities for work-based learning.
Enrollment capacity will increase for high school students, create expanded opportunities for adult learners, and allow for the modernization of equipment and materials.
University at Buffalo Educational Opportunity Center (BEOC) – Western New York – $1,997,413 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant)
Grant funding will support the scaling of the successful Build Pre-Apprenticeship program, bringing the nine-week paid direct entry pre-apprenticeship program for construction trades to Buffalo.
The model emphasizes serving low-income and underserved populations, and services include intensive case management to identify and meet the needs of each enrollee, and stipends to offset wages lost during training.
trong relationships with community partners, including city and union leadership, ensure that trainees will receive the right training at the right time to meet local demand for construction labor.
Union instructors will teach the industry recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), plus career readiness training and professional development to increase success of direct entry candidates.
Center for Employment Opportunities – Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Western New York – $1,028,026 (Pay for Performance Operating Grant)
Funding will help CEO to expand its successful construction pre-apprenticeship training for justice-impacted New Yorkers, increasing capacity in Buffalo, and piloting the program in Albany and Rochester.
The program provides union approved Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) pre-apprenticeship training, plus workforce readiness training, transitional employment on CEO’s work crews, job development and placement, and retention services post-placement.
Supportive services include housing and transportation assistance, and health care and childcare access. ■
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