WDB/HMO
News & Opportunities
Stay up to date with the latest job opportunities, training, and more on our website!
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The Workforce Development Board’s Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week
Zoom Event Showcases the Positive Impact of Registered Apprenticeship Programs
In honor of the 85th Anniversary of the National Apprenticeship Act, the Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties’ (WDB HMO) Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant will celebrate the U.S. Department of Labor’s eighth annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with a virtual event open to the public on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, from 11:00am to Noon on Zoom.
NAW was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to celebrate the significant impact Registered Apprenticeship programs have had in re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, building a pipeline to good, quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.
Hundreds of NAW events and activities will be taking place all over the country, including open houses, skill competitions, community forums, apprentice graduations, business open houses, high school, and college career fairs apprenticeship signing days, industry roundtable events, diversity and inclusion dialogues, and more, and the WDB HMO is excited to be a part of it.
“The benefits of Registered Apprenticeships are substantial for both career seekers and employers,” says RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards. “These “earn and learn” models enable employers to fill open jobs, improve productivity and profitability, and reduce turnover while providing the American workforce with pathways to start new careers and acquire the skills needed for good jobs. We are committed to helping those in our community access pathways to well-paying jobs in growing industries and are excited to support National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing local grants and employers currently working with Registered Apprenticeships.”
The WDB HMO has successfully placed hundreds of individuals into Pre-Apprenticeship training and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, and continues to emphasize the value of these programs, to both businesses and job seekers.
The WDB/HMO Apprenticeship Week Celebration event, hosted by the RADAR grant, will feature breakout rooms and attendees will have the opportunity to hear from a number of Apprenticeship-based grant programs, as well as employers with Registered Apprenticeships.
We invite you to join us to learn more about our commitment to Registered Apprenticeships and how these unique work-based training programs make a difference in our community.
About National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) is a nationwide celebration that offers established by the U.S. Department of Labor to bring together leading business, labor, education, apprentices, and other critical partners to showcase the impact Registered Apprenticeship programs have on building the American workforce, as well as highlight, the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for re-building our economy, advancing racial and gender equity, building a pipeline to good, quality jobs, and supporting underserved communities.
Registered Apprenticeships provide the opportunity to assist and propel individuals who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality by allowing apprentices to earn while they learn and provide a pathway to well-paying careers.
NAW gives employers, including sponsors and providers, the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices so that career seekers can learn more about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship and the programs that are available in their communities.
During NAW events, apprentices have a platform to share their apprenticeship experience and how it has transformed their lives. For more information, visit apprenticeship.gov/NAW.
This program is 100% funded by a United States Department of Labor - Employment and Training Administration’s (ETA) award of $2,999,993.
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News from Madison County Working Solutions
Madison County has two new staff members who will be completing youth outreach; Donna Schaefer and Rebecca Brothers.
In efforts to identify youth who may be eligible for our services, Donna and Rebecca have attended numerous events: Back to School Welcome events, Meeting with local churches, scheduling meetings with disability providers, Speaking with Adult Ged providers, Reaching out to all Madison County Connected School coordinators, etc.
Donna and Rebecca will also ensure the youth in our programming who need drivers training will be able to attend their scheduled driving lessons. Currently, we have three youth who we are transporting from Madison County to Onondaga County in order for them to take these lessons as we have no provider in our area and we no other option for transportation. (We do not have a bus line to transport kids to another area from Madison County and the youth have no other family option to be transported to Onondaga County.) Having the ability to transport these kids will allow them to obtain their license which will open up more employment opportunities to these youth.
Madison County Working Solutions also has an additional youth who has been attempting to obtain his Social Security card, which is needed for employment and to obtain his drivers permit. Staff will work ensure he has the necessary transportation to get to Utica from Madison County to obtain this ID.
Pete DeBottis also joins us as a Workforce Development Counselor after serving over thirty-five years in various management positions in large and small businesses since graduating from SUNY Brockport with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Pete has had extensive management and sales experience in a variety of industries that included staff recruitment, finance, operations, transportation and sales. He is ready to share his decades of knowledge and assist people in getting and maintain employment.
Welcome, Pete, Donna and Rebecca!
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Herkimer County Appoints New Community Development Director: Deborah Kessler
Deborah Kessler was recently named the new Community Development Director for the county.
From the Herkimer County Newsletter: The creation of a Community Development Strategic Plan for Herkimer County begun when the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, Herkimer County government, the Herkimer County Industrial Development Agency and county municipalities teamed up to sponsor a project to foster a shared vision for a prosperous future for Herkimer County.
Kessler’s responsibilities are to work to implement the Herkimer County Community Development Strategy. This will involve supporting and fostering initiatives to improve the quality of life. Kessler will spend time within the communities of Herkimer County getting to know each one’s issues, opportunities and important initiatives, in addition to work with members of the community and others on important community priorities.
“Herkimer County has great potential, many assets, and a rich history. We’re here to find out what’s working well in our county, where we need do better, and how we can break down silos and work together. I am looking for-ward to working with the communities of Herkimer County to discover, connect and benefit from the creative energies and ideas found throughout this remarkable area,” said Kessler.
Kessler can be reached at:
Deborah Kessler Herkimer County Community Development Director
109 Mary Street Suite 1318
Herkimer, NY 13350
Photo/article Courtesy Herkimer County Newsletter
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Spotlight on Workers with Disabilities |
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Article: Long COVID Appears to Have Led to a Surge of the Disabled in the Workplace
From https://libertystreeteconomics.newyorkfed.org: "Although most of those infected with COVID-19 have recovered relatively quickly, a substantial share has not, and remains symptomatic months or even years later, in what is commonly referred to as long COVID.
Data on the incidence of long COVID is scarce, but recent Census Bureau data suggest that sixteen million working age Americans suffer from it. The economic costs of long COVID is estimated to be in the trillions.
While many with long COVID have dropped out of the labor force because they can no longer work, many others appear to be working despite having disabilities related to the disease. Indeed, there has been an increase of around 1.7 million disabled persons in the U.S. since the pandemic began, and there are close to one million newly disabled workers.
These disabled workers can benefit from workplace accommodations to help them remain productive and stay on the job, particularly as the majority deal with fatigue and brain fog, the hallmarks of long COVID."
For more information on Workplace Accommodations contact the Workforce Development Board’s Disability Resource Coordinator, Kelly Manley at 315.207.6951 x 139 or via email at kmanley@working-solutions.org.
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DYK? ADA covers a wide variety of disabilities, such as anxiety, depression, diabetes, allergies, migraines, ADHD and more.
The Americans with Disabilities Act covers a wide variety of disabilities not often thought of as a disability. The definition of disability is now very broad.
While the ADA does not contain a definitive list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) provides an A-Z listing of disabilities that is very helpful. GO HERE to see the list.
JAN also provides a helpful article on how to determine whether a person has a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). READ THE ARTICLE
For more helpful information, you can also visit:
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Have you seen all the resources on our website toolkit to help job seekers with a disability, and especially youth, along their career path?
Resources For:
- Job Seekers
- Community Based Organizations
- Businesses
- Parents/Guardians
- Caregivers
- School Professionals
The website offers useful tools, guidance, forms, and other resources to support job seekers with disabilities and the individuals and organizations who support them, including community-based organizations, employment counselors, Disability Resource Coordinators, and parents who want to introduce their child to a career pathway and prepare them for a stable, long-term career.
The site also offers a variety of resources for businesses that are designed to help businesses learn how to be more inclusive and support employees with disabilities.
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JOB SEEKERS: Are you 18 years old or older? Do you have a diagnosed disability? Would you like training and supportive services to help you on your path to a good paying career? Our Regional Apprenticeship Development & Readiness Grant Can help!
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Businesses: DYK We Have a Website that Allows You Post Your Internships or Part-Time Jobs for Students?
It is easy to use and it is FREE!
"Connect Mohawk Valley:
Where Local Business and Emerging Talent Connect."
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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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Job Seeker Opportunities & Resources |
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DYK we have an Apprenticeship Newsletter? This bi-monthly newsletter is dedicated to news about our apprenticeship programs and incentives and more. You can Subscribe Here.
And we have an Apprenticeship Facebook page too! Please "like and share" to help us get the word out about these valuable programs.
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OHM BOCES Career Roadmap
Choosing a career path is easier when you know what options you have. Knowing the various career fields will help you be able to choose the right job based on your talents, education and interests. Find your destination and plan your journey with this digital career roadmap from OHM BOCES!
There is a wealth of information on this site.
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Professional Career Opportunities Virtual Career Fair
Are you looking to advance your career, or get back into the workforce?
Then attend the New York State Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday, November 9th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
The New York State Department of Civil Service in collaboration with the New York State Department of Labor are proud to announce the New York State Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Virtual Career Fair on Wednesday November 9th with a Preview Day scheduled for Tuesday November 8th starting at 9 am. The Preview Day is an opportunity for attendees to view participating businesses and available positions, as well as become familiar with navigating the site before the live event.
This career fair will have a special focus on highlighting titles filled by the PCO exam, as well as the many other career opportunities available with New York State Government Agencies across the state.
The Department of Civil Service is also planning on hosting informational webinars to provide helpful information to jobseekers looking to begin their New York State careers!
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity!
While completing the registration, you will want to upload your resume.
For more information about this exciting event, or if you have any questions, please
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Open House/Job Fair at Oneida County
Department of Family & Community Services
Oneida County's Department of Family and Community Services is hosting an open house job fair on Saturday, November 19th from 10AM-1PM on the 3rd floor of the Clark City Center in Utica!
Where: 177 Genesee St, Utica, NY 13501
Meet the staff, learn about current vacancies, and have on the spot interviews the very same day!
You don't have to wait. You can apply today!
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Workforce Development Training Grant Programs: NOW ENROLLING!
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The Workforce Development Board has learning/training grants that you may be eligible for!
DYK the WDB also has a Facebook page where we'll be featuring news about our grant learning programs and incentives. Please Like/Follow us and share our posts to get the word out about these great programs! https://www.facebook.com/WDBHMO
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Community News & Opportunities |
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Job Seekers: DYK about our online resources?
We post hiring events and featured job opportunities on our website. We also have a custom job search right on our website's front page that you can use to search job opportunities across six counties: Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego.
Go here to explore, and see more programs and resources. While you are there subscribe to our blog to get notified of new opportunities!
We also post new jobs every day on our Working Solutions Facebook page. Stop by often, because they won't all show up in your newsfeed!
Go here to Follow us:
Working Solutions:
Workforce Development Board (Stay up to date on our learning/training grant programs!):
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Free Online Skills Training |
Take FREE Classes on our Metrix Online Learning Platform!
- Self Sign-Up
- Go At Your Own Pace
- Take as Many Classes as You Want
There are more than 6,000 free courses on the self-paced learning platform!
There are courses in IT, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business and many more. And you can take as many courses as you want. Some can be completed in less than 30 minutes!
This FREE self-paced online skills training is available to all businesses and job seekers in Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware and Otsego Counties!
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The New York State Department of Labor is Offering FREE Online Virtual Workshops!
>Resumes
>Interviewing
>Transferable Skills
>Job Search
>Networking
>And lots more!
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Happy November!
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:
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Workforce Development Board, Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties, Inc.
209 Elizabeth Street
Utica, NY 13501
Stay Connected
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