NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS OVER $500,000 IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS TO THE CAPITAL REGION

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) today announced the allocation of $533,651 in workforce development grants to boost skills training and employment opportunities in the Capital Region. These grants are part of a larger $7.4 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 Capital Region’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."

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.

Summary of Grant Awards in the Capital Region:

Ginsberg’s Institutional Foods, Inc.
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
Amount: $300,000
Location: Hudson
Purpose and Impact: Expand NYS Registered Apprenticeship (RA) training to 20 apprentices, focusing on underrepresented populations. The program will train heavy truck drivers, helping address regional labor shortages and providing pathways to higher wages and career advancement within the transportation industry. 

Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga BOCES
Consolidated Funding Application Workforce Development Initiative (CFA WDI)
Amount: $155,600
Location: Albany
Purpose and Impact: Provide pre-apprenticeship training for 30 women in advanced manufacturing, addressing gender disparities and preparing women for apprenticeships and career advancement in manufacturing.

TEACHMEducation Services LLC
Apprenticeship Expansion Grant (AEG)
Amount: $78,051
Location: Cambridge
Purpose and Impact: Offer apprenticeship training for 17 individuals in education, transforming substitute teachers and paraprofessionals into certified teachers, enhancing educational quality and addressing teacher shortages.

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.