The demand for advanced technology talent is increasing. Many Central New York employers are struggling to hire local software developers. Software developers are critical to companies’ growth, currently our regional talent pool is not large enough to support the needs and many jobs go unfilled.

To keep up with the demand for software developers and other coding-related positions, Careers in Code located in Central New York started an innovative coding bootcamp for women and minorities to help combat poverty and train for the unfilled careers. Poverty throughout Central New York is rising at an accelerated rate and restricting our region’s economic potential, there are few opportunities for women and minorities to advance in poverty.

The Workforce Development Board helped fund thirteen ambitious professionals in the second Careers in Code cohort.

When it comes to education, students who have mentors can benefit greatly. Mentors help students navigate their educational journey. During the training program scholars work with Career Coaches to support students with knowledge and advise.

Upon completion from the computer education program, students were able to keep their training laptops. 91% of participants successfully graduated from the Careers in Code bootcamp. Many obtained an internship, apprenticeship, consulting, or entry level software development job after the 24 weeks of rigorous training. 79% of bootcamp graduates are hired for full time software jobs with an average salary of $64,000, an increase of 49%. The trained talent has helped to fill the skills gap in Upstate New York.

Businesses and individuals can learn more about AAI and the programs and incentives we provide, along with our other apprenticeship programs here: https://www.working-solutions.org/for-businesses/apprenticeships/

Contact AAI Program Director Jennifer McCullough or Apprenticeship Coordinator Meghan McBennett for more information. This program ends in September 2021, so don’t wait!

The Workforce Development Board’s (WDB) Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant is helping to recruit, train, and retain women in quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, and encourages them to pursue apprenticeships and nontraditional occupations. 

The WANTO grant offers a unique opportunity to females who are interested in any nontraditional occupation. A nontraditional occupation is any career in which females make up 25% or less of the workforce, including but not limited to: advanced manufacturing, information technology (IT), public safety, transportation, agriculture, and the trades.

WANTO aims to upskill the female workforce by providing pre-apprenticeship programming, on-the-job training, and soft skills development courses. Participants also have the option to join a Registered Apprenticeship Program. By participating in WANTO, women can pave the way for themselves and future generations to be valuable employees in these fields. 

This program serves females, ages 18 and up, living in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga, and Tompkins counties. WANTO is also seeking businesses to partner with that want to upskill their workforce and make their work environment more welcoming for women. 

Contact contact WANTO Project Director Stephanie Heiland at 315-207-6951 ext 110 or sheiland@working-solutions.org to learn more about this program.

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant helps recruit, train, and retain women in quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs, and encourages them to pursue apprenticeships and non-traditional occupations. Non-traditional occupations are occupations where women make up 25% or less of the workforce, including but not limited to: trades, information technology (IT), advanced manufacturing, transportation, public safety, agriculture, and more.

This program is available in Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Montgomery, Oneida, Onondaga, Otsego, Schoharie, St. Lawrence, Tioga and Tompkins counties.

Contact: Rochelle Ferro, Project Director

The American Apprenticeship Initiative grant helps high school and college students, disconnected youth, unemployed adults, minorities and veterans prepare for and secure apprenticeship opportunities. AAI also helps companies registered in the apprenticeship program recruit, train, retain and develop a diverse workforce of skilled employees. In Central New York, AAI is building a new sustainable regional pipeline specific to advanced manufacturing. AAI can provide up to $5,000 for Related Instruction and up to $2,000 for Pre-Apprenticeship training.

This program is available to residents and businesses located in the following New York counties: Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Oswego, Otsego, Schuyler, St. Lawrence, Steuben, Tioga and Tompkins.

Contact: Alice Savino, Executive Director

The NY College Apprenticeship Network (NYCAN) grant will be working with SUNY to provide companies and apprentices an opportunity to receive funding, which will provide case management and supportive services through the help of your local Workforce Development Boards across the state. It allows the HMO WDB to provide employers with 50 or less employees OJT (On the Job Training) with a 50% salary reimbursement at $25/hr for a maximum of 6 months. We will be working closely with MVCC, MACNY, and the SUNY system to provide the training necessary to help push this initiative state wide. 

Contact: Luke Bogar, Coordinator

Employers: If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please let us know!