Senator Gallivan Announces Funding for Workforce Development Initiative

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C-I, Elma) says $48-million in funding is available through the latest round of the state’s Workforce Development Initiative to support regional efforts that help New Yorkers find quality, well-paid jobs and meet businesses' short-term workforce needs.   

The Workforce Development Initiative will bring together the resources, plans, and perspectives of multiple state agencies and authorities, the Regional Economic Development Councils, nonprofit training providers and private sector employers to further New York's goal to Reimagine, Rebuild, and Renew from the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the initiative opened on August 2.

"As our economy slowly recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to provide support to New York residents looking to enhance their skills through education, training and experience,” Senator Gallivan said.  “The Workforce Development Initiative also provides employers easy access to a skilled workforce prepared to help businesses grow and succeed.”

Information about the application process and program guidelines are available at https://workforcedevelopment.ny.gov/

The funding made available for this initiative consolidates multiple programs administered by various state agencies and authorities.

Funding and incentives provided by the New York State Department of Labor, the State University of New York, the City University of New York, Empire State Development and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority would support critical job training and employment opportunities in high-demand industries for nearly 22,000 New Yorkers across the State.

Awards will fall into one of three categories:

• Public-Private Partnerships to Advance 21st Century Skills: These programs expand the infrastructure and capacity of SUNY and CUNY to produce skilled talent that meets the needs of regional employers.
• Employer-Driven Skills so Training Leads to Quality Jobs: These programs expand employer investment in a skilled workforce pipeline. Resources will provide direct funding or tax credits to train incumbent workers and to recruit and train entry-level workers.
• Workforce Solutions that Match Business Needs: The Workforce Solutions programs provide flexible funding for innovative workforce development projects. Funds will support strategic regional efforts that meet businesses' near-term workforce needs, address long-term industry needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, and expand apprenticeships.

In the first round of funding, over $70 million was awarded to 225 organizations to support regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs—including clean energy, life sciences, computer science, and advanced technologies—as well as efforts to improve the economic security of women, young workers, and other populations that face significant barriers to career advancement.

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