NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS OVER $1 MILLION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TO THE FINGER LAKES

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the allocation of $1,072,000 in workforce development grants to boost skills training and employment opportunities in the Finger Lakes. These grants are part of a larger $7 million statewide initiative directly supporting businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits in delivering high-quality training programs which focus on enhancing job readiness, closing skills gaps, and promoting career advancement. The awards also focus on programming that will help New Yorkers in disadvantaged communities, particularly the unemployed, underemployed, veterans, low-income residents and others facing employment barriers.   

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “These grants represent our commitment to strengthening the Finger Lakes’ workforce by providing opportunities for skill development and job advancement. By investing in training and education, we are not only supporting individual career growth but also addressing critical workforce needs across the state. This funding will have a profound impact on both our communities and our economy, ensuring that New York remains competitive and prosperous."

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, "As Chair of the Assembly Committee on Labor, I am proud to kick off National Apprenticeship Month here in Rochester. Robust apprenticeship programs are critical to achieving our State’s economic goals, and the earn while you learn model launches people to career success. With these workforce development grants, Governor Hochul and NYSDOL have partnered with local workforce development programs to identify apprenticeship opportunities in a broad range of industries, bringing direct benefit to our regional economy. These collaborations represent a path to quality, enriching careers with family-sustaining wages for our community.”

Assemblymember Demond Meeks said, “National Apprenticeship Week is a celebration of the impact apprenticeships have on improving the lives of our residents and the strength of our workforce. By investing in organizations and programs such as these, we provide opportunities to strengthen our neighborhoods while continuing to support underserved members of our community with dependable services and resources. Thank you, Commissioner Reardon, for recognizing the important work of these local organizations and for the NYS Department of Labor's support of their efforts.”

The grants will support businesses in upskilling workers, individuals seeking better employment opportunities, and communities striving for economic growth. Workforce training costs vary based on factors such as program duration, training complexity, and supplemental funding.

Below is a link to sound bites and b-roll of the event:

https://vimeo.com/1030823561?share=copy

Time codes:

00:00 - 00:18  DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon

00:18 - 00:23  Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson

00:23 - 00:47  Jenine Cleary, The Arc Ontario

00:47 - 01:21 Jes Scannell, Foodlink

01:21 - 07:41  b-roll

Summary of Grant Awards in the Finger Lakes:

• Foodlink, Inc.
  Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG) 
  Amount: $300,000 
  Location: Monroe 
  Purpose and Impact: Support 20 apprentices in the food service industry, particularly underrepresented individuals, to gain skills in culinary arts, food safety, and operations. This program helps meet local workforce demands while providing apprentices with valuable certifications and career mobility in the hospitality sector.
• Eastman Kodak Company
  Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
  Amount: $285,000
  Location: Rochester
  Purpose and Impact: Expand apprenticeship training for 20 individuals in commercial print and advanced materials and chemicals, attracting a diverse workforce and supporting career growth in high-demand industries.
• Rochester Tooling and Machining Institute (RTMI)/Rochester Technology and Manufacturing Association (RTMA)
  Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
  Amount: $195,000
  Location: Rochester
  Purpose and Impact: Provides 30 underrepresented individuals, including women, minorities, and veterans, with the skills needed to enter New York State Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. This initiative addresses the workforce needs of the region's second-largest private industry, offering participants pathways to full-time careers, wage growth, and additional benefits like tuition assistance and tool reimbursement grants.
• Foodlink, Inc. 
  Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA) 
  Amount: $162,000 
  Location: Rochester 
  Purpose and Impact: Provide culinary and food service training to 28 individuals, including those with barriers to employment. The program aims to fill middle-skill positions in the local food and hospitality industry, offering participants essential certifications and career advancement.
• NYSARC Ontario County Chapter
  Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
  Amount: $90,000
  Location: Canandaigua
  Purpose and Impact: Expand New York State (NYS) Registered Apprenticeship (RA) training by increasing employment opportunities for approximately 6 apprentices, with a focus on underrepresented populations.
• Ideal Manufacturing Inc.
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $40,000
  Location: East Rochester
  Purpose and Impact: Provide training for 66 employees in machinery manufacturing, enhancing skills in lean manufacturing, leadership, and quality assurance, improving productivity and employee retention.

As part of NYSDOL’s ongoing effort to highlight registered apprenticeships, the Department launched a new PSA promoting the benefits of becoming an apprentice. Individuals can find more information about apprenticeship opportunities on our website. While New York State businesses can visit NYSDOL’s dedicated page for grant funding opportunities.