Workforce Development Initiatives Will Support Hardworking Area Residents

ALBANY – Having a ready and able workforce is essential to attracting new businesses and helping existing businesses expand and prosper.

To create opportunities for residents to pursue good-paying jobs and rewarding career paths, Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I- 57th District) secured several important allocations in the 2016-17 state budget.

To further support the area’s manufacturing economy, Senator Young advocated for continued funding for the Workforce Development Institute (WDI), a not-for-profit that works with employers across the state to provide focused workforce training, and transition support services for existing employees to prevent job loss. This year, $7.9 million was secured, nearly $3 million more than had been initially allocated in the Governor’s budget proposal.

“Sustaining and growing manufacturing jobs is the mission of WDI. Their partnership with area employers, local educators and others has gone a long way toward improving our state’s manufacturing economy. Supporting job creation has always been at the forefront of my priorities and this new funding will ensure continued success of this important program,” Senator Young said.

Last year, WDI partnered with a number of local employers and organizations to promote job growth and retention. The organization provided Excelco/Newbrook and Jamestown Metal Products with support training their existing workforce to meet new needs. They also provided bridge funding for the Food for Thought Culinary Arts program, operated by Cattaraugus Community Action (CCA), so that they could continue providing a 15-week training program for low-income youth and displaced adults. MD Electronics and Ring Precision Components, both of Jamestown, also worked with WDI to grow their workforce.

The budget also includes $5 million for the Next Generation Job Linkage Program through the State University of New York and the City University of New York. The program works with the state’s community colleges and employers to identify potential jobs, define the skills necessary for those jobs, and provide the appropriate training for employees.