The WDB has a new Facebook page where we'll be featuring 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

And you can also follow us here on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmowdb/

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison, Oneida Counties/Working Solutions held their first-ever virtual job fair on Wednesday, August 11th. The event was a great success with 33 local businesses participating and some 110 job seekers registered to attend! The event focused on industries that are in high demand, including: Healthcare, Hospitality, Tourism, Manufacturing and more.

Among others, businesses who participated included:

Representatives from the Workforce Development Board were in attendance to answer questions about learning grant opportunities available across Central New York. The Workforce Development Board's grant opportunities offer eligible individuals training opportunities and incentives that will help them get placed in good paying jobs.

Local Working Solutions representatives were also on hand in the Working Solution's booth to answer questions about the free services that they can provide to both job seekers and businesses.

The WDB/HMO utilized Premier Virtual, a U.S.-based, Veteran-owned job fair platform that provides an easy-to-use job fair simulation, enabling real-time interaction between recruiters and candidates, including video chat. Exhibitors were provided a customizable exhibitor booth equipped with high-resolution avatars, and special buttons to share video content, web-links, job vacancies, company overviews, the ability to hold instant interviews and more.

During the event job seekers were able to view each company’s job openings and company profiles, submit their resumes to jobs they were interested in and chat with one-on-one with recruiters. This event also offered a 24-hour pre-event preview access so that job seekers could log into the system before the event to view company profiles and job openings.

The Treva Wood Community Activist Award is presented to an individual who has dedicated themselves to fight for the empowerment of the low-income members of our community. This individual works tirelessly for the rights and the opportunities for success of each individual.

The Workforce Development Board (WDB) of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties, Inc., was recently awarded a U.S. Department of Labor grant to address rural healthcare workforce shortages in Central and Northern New York State. The grant is fully up and running and off to a great start.

"We have so far awarded funds to applicants for healthcare occupations, including phlebotomy, CNA, LPN, medical assistant, alcohol and substance abuse counselor, and social worker, from 10 of the 17 counties included in the grant," says Project Director Jennifer McGauley. "We recently visited a CNA class (pictured above) at training partner Fulton-Montgomery Community College where we funded every eligible student in the class."

For more information about this grant and to find out if you are eligible, GO HERE

After having to cancel twice due to rain, we were able to finally host a successful job fair outdoors at the beautiful Wehrum Stadium area of Herkimer College. Employers included Giotto Enterprises, RCIL, Feldmeier, DeIorio’s, Herkimer County Civil Service, Herkimer County 9-1-1 Center, Valley Health Services, Tractor Supply Distribution Center, The Grand, International Paper, Twin Rivers, Staffworks, ELG Utica Alloys, Durham Bus Service, Gehring Tricot, Helmont Mills, Family Dollar Distribution Center, Mohawk Valley Staffing, American Dining Creations, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and NYS DOT.

It was a beautiful but scorching hot 95 degrees, but 65 job seekers attended and made valuable connections with the employers. Mark Cushman of Giotto Enterprises said “You (Herkimer Working Solutions) and the folks at HCCC pulled off an excellent event....one that resulted in our getting some 1/2 dozen qualified candidates. As far as I’m concerned, you clearly demonstrated that you guys know what you’re doing! We’ll take your lead...please let me know when the next event will take place: we’re in!!!”

Here are more pics from the event!

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol recently met with the students from Pathways To Justice Careers. Sheriff Maciol spoke to the class members about career opportunities within the Sheriff's Office and Law Enforcement. There was also question and answer with topics such as the ever changing landscape facing First Responders.

Working Solutions, Oneida County Sheriff's Office,, City of Utica, NY Police Department, and Utica Fire Department worked together to provide program instruction.

The Herkimer County College Corps Internship Program Is targeted at those residents who will be entering their junior or senior year in college. It is a 200 hour experience designed to closely correlate with the student’s current field of study. It is a way that young people who have left the area to go to college can realize that there are good employment opportunities in their career choice right where they grew up!

This year, a young man named Beny Huckaby was placed in an internship with the Town of Webb Tourism Center. Beny attends Vassar College enrolled as a Science, Technology and Society Major with a Minor in Film and is scheduled to graduate in 2023.

According to Mike Farmer, Town of Webb Tourism’s Publicity Director, the organization “could not have been happier or more impressed with Beny’s intelligence, work ethic, productivity or quality of work…” Farmer adds that their experience with Beny “capsulizes what we have been looking for, not only as an intern, but as an employee...” Beny was asked to develop a series of short films showcasing the distinct personalities of the different hamlets in the Town of Webb. These include Old Forge, Thendara, Eagle Bay, Big Moose, Stillwater and Beaver River.

Kurt Gardner, a member of the Town of Webb Town Council and owner of the Kurt Gardner Photography Gallery in Old Forge, worked closely with Beny as well. He had this to say, “Beny was an amazing intern… He did such an awesome job of promoting our MTB trails and creating content for our new Ride Old Forge Facebook and Instagram page… The film and photo background mixed with his love for the outdoor sports makes Beny a perfect match for us. We can’t thank Herkimer County enough for helping make this happen. Sure hope we can get him back again next year!”

Above is a picture taken by Beny as he live streamed this year’s 4th of July festivities in the Town of Webb. Perhaps the best story relating to that is captured in his own words in an email he sent to his supervisors:

“During the 4th of July fireworks show while shooting pictures from a balcony at Pine Knoll… I was simultaneously live-streaming a video of the fireworks to the Old forge Visitors Facebook account. Amidst the beauty of a fading sunset and the first 4th celebration since pre-COVID, I looked down at the comments section to see someone had left a note of appreciation in the comments. The woman who had commented was at home sick and feeling lonely because they could not attend the fireworks as they had for years prior; they sincerely thanked us for streaming the event and bringing some joy to their day. The feeling that was brought on by the combination happenings was heavy. A town seeing the light on the other side of COVID 19, the beautiful scenery and fading sunset, the fireworks going off loud and proud above the town, while at the same time helping those less fortunate. As I stood there, I realized that I was doing it for my "job"; it was a really special and rewarding moment for me. I was really grateful to be in that position that night, and those are pictures and a moment that I'll never forget.”

The Herkimer Home State Historic Site is a historic house museum situated overlooking the Mohawk River on Route 169 in Little Falls. It was built in 1764 by General Nicholas Herkimer who died there in 1777 from wounds suffered in the Battle of Oriskany. Visitors are invited to tour the mansion and view the visitor center exhibits; and also explore the grounds to discover General Herkimer's final resting place, a recreated kitchen garden, remnants of an Erie Canal lock, and scenic views of the Mohawk River.

For the last three summers, through our Summer Youth Employment Program, Lucas Miller has been placed at this site as a groundskeeper making sure that the site looks good for the tourists who come to visit. His supervisor, Paula, shared this picture of him hard at work. She says he is “a true gem” and she is so happy that he has been placed with them. Because of his great work ethic, his ability to work well with the rest of the staff and the pride he takes in his tasks, when a part time opening came up after Lucas had completed his SYEP hours, he was the logical choice to be hired on for the remainder of the season!

Class starts on Monday, September 13th and runs until November 8th. Class meets on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays from 3-8 PM and on Saturdays from 7 AM – 3:30 PM.

With a focus on a hands-on experience, students will learn operation and daily maintenance for the dozer, loader, backhoe, excavator, and dump truck.

Course includes First-Aid/CPR and OSHA-10 certification. Students will need to provide their own suitable clothing, including hardhat and work gloves. Purchase of textbook required. Valid driver license required. Tuition is $2350.

BOCES Adult Education works with various funding sources and has a payment plan option available for those in need. Interested candidates can call Rachel Burleigh at (315)361-5807.

September 14th & 15th

5 - 9 PM

OHM BOCES | $60

October 25th & 27th

5 - 9 PM

MO BOCES | $60

November 8th, 10th | 5:30-9:30 PM

& November 13th | 7 AM-3:30 PM

MO BOCES | $99

December 6th & 8th

5 - 9 PM

MO BOCES | $60

REGISTER ONLINE HERE or call either site:

OHM BOCES: (315)793-8696

MO BOCES: (315)361-5800

Job Outlook: Overall employment of Millwrights is projected to grow 13% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

or sheiland@working-solutions.org

The Workforce Development Board is looking for a Lead In Facility Counselor for the Transitions grant program. It is a federally funded program that will last 3 ½ years and will serve Oneida County. Salaries are negotiable, benefits, vacation and paid leave are provided. All work will take place in Oneida County either in the jail or at the Paul Building in Utica. There is no remote component. If you are interested in applying, please email your resume to kbetti@working-solutions.org

Job search preparation, and referral to in-and out-of- facility counseling and education.

You can see MORE featured local job opportunities on our website HERE. You can also use our custom job search link HERE-- to search job/career opportunities near you across six counties (Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego)! (Scroll down at link to "Search Jobs".)

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

info@working-solutions.org|

209 Elizabeth Street

Utica, NY 13501

Stay Connected