The WDB is Hiring Case Managers for our Grant Projects

Based in Utica!

Details and Benefits:

• Typical working hours are 8am-4pm, with flexible time available

• 35-hour work week

• 401K Matching

• Two weeks' vacation

• Two weeks of sick time

• At least 14 paid holidays

Salary Range: $45,000-50,000

Go Here For Details and How to Apply

Welcome New WDB Credible Messenger Conant Rose!

A Little About Conant:

"My name is Conant Rose, and I am originally from Boston but have lived in Philadelphia, New York City, Albany, and now Utica. I was formerly incarcerated from the age of 20 until I was released at 36 years old; after that, I continued to recidivate and did many parole violations so that, all told, I have spent over 20 years of my life incarcerated.  

"In 2013, I received an A.S. in Human Services from SUNY Schenectady CC then transferred to The College of Saint Rose, and am about a semester shy of a B.S. in history/poli sci. I both interned and later worked at the Schenectady City Mission as a case worker. Today, though, I currently work full time at Wolfspeed, a local tech firm here in Marcy. In my spare time, I love to play chess, read, travel, parent foster children, and be engaged in the local A.A./N.A. community.  

"I have always loved to help people, which is why I am so happy to be a member of the great team here at the Workforce Development Board, and especially working with the Reentry Task Force under Veronica Miller. Working here gives me the opportunity to impact people’s lives in meaningful ways, and I’m very excited to help as your first “Credible Messenger.” 

A "Credible Messenger" is someone with lived experience or a peer, or mentor (previously incarcerated individual). 

Contact Conant

Welcome New Madison County Working Solutions

Workforce Development Counselor Katie Mahar!

A Little About Katie:

"I’m an avid horse rider and pet-lover. When I’m not working, I enjoy going on new adventures with my dog and my boyfriend. My educational background is in psychology and criminology. I’ve lived in Madison County my whole life and I’m excited to play a bigger part in my community. I hope to accomplish a lot in my new role here, but most of all I hope to spread the word about what we do here at Working Solutions in order to help more people."

Contact Katie

State of the State

New York State’s 57th Governor Kathy Hochul delivered her second State of the State address on Tuesday, January 9th. This year’s theme is “Our Future, Our New York."

The State of the State Book is HERE

Key highlights courtesy NYATEP is HERE

Photos Courtesy MACNY

Regional Apprenticeship Development and Readiness (RADAR) Grant Project Update

The Regional Apprenticeship Development & Readiness (RADAR) grant project is pleased to share that Cohort 3 of the Real Life Rosies completed their course in December and have embarked their journey towards gaining employment in the Advanced Manufacturing industry.

Real Life Rosies draw inspiration from the original Rosie, Rosie the Riveter, from World War II when U.S. manufacturers succeeded in recruiting women into the workforce with patriotic marketing. Just as World War II employers drew women into manufacturing during a severe worker shortage, the Rosies are repeating that success through this Direct Entry program.

MACNY, in partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College and Working Solutions, the Diversifying Advanced Manufacturing, Women in the Workforce program supports the training and skill development of women looking to pursue careers in manufacturing through pre-apprenticeship.

Cohort 4 is running January 9th – April 4th and we are so excited to continue connecting dedicated professionals to new employment opportunities. https://www.macny.org/women-in-the-workforce/ 

RADAR recently collaborated with MACNY and MVCC to meet with the Senior class at Proctor High-School to offer the youth the Real Life Rosies program that will start this Spring. RADAR Project Director Sommer Edwards said, "The event went really well and we already have 11 students who signed up!"

To learn more about this program and eligibility contact Sommer at sedwards@working-solutions.org or call her at 315-207-6951 ext. 133.

YouthBuild Grant Project Update

YouthBuild students have begun using power & hand tools to start building birdhouses and woodworking. This will help them with the transition to create housing units at the YWCA.

YouthBuild Grant Project Director Grant Calogero says, "We are currently recruiting for all Utica residents ages 18-24, with the cohort slated to begin in April/May."

Contact Grant to learn more about this program and eligibility:

315-207-6951, ext. 109

gcalogero@working-solutions.org

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.

Email Nicole

ESL classes hosted by Herkimer BOCES

at the Frank J. Basloe Library in Herkimer

Classes are offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30.

Classes are free and no appointment is necessary to attend, individuals do not have to attend every class in order to participate.

To learn more, contact Hanka Grabovica at 315-867-2085 or hgrabovica@herkimer-boces.org

Upcoming CDL Classes are scheduled for a DAY Class starting February 5 and a WEEKEND Class starting on 2/24.

Visit www.ancoraed.com/mvcc, or call 866-693-4661, ext. 0871.

Email Brandy

The New York State Department of Labor is Partnering with the Utica Public Library for an In-Person Job Fair

Their Virtual Reality team will be there demonstrating their new VR Career Exploration headsets.

February 21, 2024 - from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. 

"Ever wondered what it’s like to be a paramedic or work in a chip-fab plant? You can try it out at our next job fair at the Utica Public Library, 303 Genesee Street, Utica, 13501."

Email Teresa

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.

Email

February 22, 2024 -The New York State Department of Labor's Central/Mohawk Valley Virtual Career Fair, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.

More info coming soon on our Workforce Development Board/Working Solutions website!

Subscribe to our blog to get notified when we post new opportunities!

(Click the envelope icon near the top of the page.)

The North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund is offering a pre-apprenticeship program in February 2024, for those interested in a career as a union carpenter. This is an opportunity for high school seniors, recent graduates and community members to learn a skilled trade and carve a successful career path with great wages, benefits, and advancement opportunities. This is a free program providing an introduction to carpentry at training facilities across NYS. This opportunity can lead to a four-year apprenticeship program with the Carpenters’ union. There are limited spaces available in the program and we encourage those who may be interested to promptly apply.

Qualified Candidate Requirements:

1. 17 years of age or older.
2. High school graduate or equivalent recognized by local school authorities. (2024 graduates may apply)
3. Physically able to perform work (heavy lifting, heights, weather elements).
4. Standing and stooping for prolonged periods of time.
5. Reliable transportation to and from training.       

Herkimer Working Solutions Mini Job Fair

WHEN: Friday, February 16, 2024 -1:00pm - 03:00pm

WHERE: Herkimer Working Solutions - 320 N. Prospect Street, Herkimer, NY

Call 315-867-1400 for more information.

View the Herkimer Working Solutions February Calendar for More Opportunities

All services are free and available to the public; job search and resume assistance is available 5 days a week.

GO HERE TO SEE LOCAL FEATURED JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND MORE UPCOMING HIRING EVENTS

The WDB now offers text notifications

Get notified by text when we have new opportunities for you, such as job fairs, hiring events, and new learning opportunities!

To sign up simply text HMO to 315-470-0055 or use the QR Code.

Happy February!

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:

jdelapaz@working-solutions.org