NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS OVER $2.1 MILLION IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TO NEW YORK CITY

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the allocation of $2,111,481 in workforce development grants to boost skills training and employment opportunities in New York City. 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 New York City’s 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."

State Senator Jessica Ramos, Chair of the Senate Labor Committee said, "Apprenticeship programs like this are a proven model because they allow New Yorkers to earn while they learn. This kind of workforce development investment builds pathways to family-sustaining careers, improves workplace safety, and creates a skilled labor force in New York that draws employers to our great city and state. I'm proud that our collaboration with Commissioner Reardon and Governor Hochul yielded substantial investment in New York's working families through the budget. These grants will return to our local economies with exponential returns."

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/1030114422?share=copy

Time codes:

:00-:25 NYS DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon

:25-:49 Evelyn Otiz, Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, Inc.

:50-1:17 Senator Jessica Ramos

1:18-1:52 Ashley Gibson,  Rebuilding Together NYC

1:52-2:03 Camille Gallo, LLC/NYC Green Build Workforce Development

2:04-9:11 b-roll

Summary of Grant Awards in New York City:

• AIDS Service Center of Lower Manhattan, Inc.
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $250,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Train 144 individuals in recovery coaching and healthcare support services, providing essential skills for employment in healthcare and social services, addressing the needs of individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those facing addiction recovery.
• Research Foundation of CUNY obo The City College of New York
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI)
  Amount: $250,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose & Impact: Provide training to 75 unemployed/underemployed individuals in healthcare, focusing on medical assisting, EKG, and phlebotomy. Graduates will earn industry certifications and have increased access to employment in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
• Union Settlement Association
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $250,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Train 145 individuals in administrative and support services skills, enhancing employability and career advancement for diverse low-income populations in East Harlem.
• Queens Community House, Inc.
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $225,996
  Location: Queens
  Purpose and Impact: Train 60 young adults in food service skills, leading to certifications and improved job prospects, preparing participants for in-demand jobs in the hospitality industry, filling vacant positions with skilled workers.
• QSAC Inc.
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $225,485
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Offer training for 110 individuals with disabilities in behavior technician skills and customer service, providing critical job skills for underrepresented groups, enhancing employability across various sectors.
• Rebuilding Together NYC
  Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI) Amount: $200,000
  Location: Brooklyn
  Purpose and Impact: Provide construction skills training for 50 low-income individuals, leading to certifications and job placement, strengthening the construction workforce and creating pathways to higher wages and stable employment.
• Camille Gallo, LLC
  Grant Title: Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
  Amount: $195,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Provide foundational construction and green building training to 30 underrepresented individuals, including youth and veterans. The program prepares participants for careers in sustainable construction, contributing to long-term environmental resilience and job readiness.
• Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT), Inc.
  Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
  Amount: $195,000
  Location: Brooklyn
  Purpose and Impact: Train 30 individuals in renewable energy and construction fields. The program offers certifications and internships, helping participants overcome employment barriers and access unionized, well-paid jobs.
• Rebuilding Together NYC (RTNYC)
  Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship (DEPA)
  Amount: $195,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Train 30 individuals for careers in construction. Participants gain essential certifications, including OSHA 30 and scaffolding, while RTNYC’s strategic partnerships help place them in full-time, well-paying jobs in the construction industry.
• NYC District Council of Carpenters Apprenticeship Journeymen Re-Education Industry Fund
  Direct Entry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (DEPA)
  Amount: $125,000
  Location: New York City
  Purpose and Impact: Train 20 individuals in carpentry, focusing on underrepresented populations, providing essential skills for careers in carpentry and construction, promoting workforce diversity and economic stability.

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.