Area organizations to receive workforce development grants

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Some 75 businesses, schools and community-based organizations statewide have been awarded nearly $9.5 million as part of the state’s Workforce Development Initiative, including five in the Rochester and Finger Lakes Region.

“The economic impact of COVID-19 has completely upended the traditional workplace and we need a job training strategy that reflects the changing environment,” said state Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement. “As chair of New York State’s Regional Economic Development Councils, I am proud that our Workforce Development Initiative will continue to keep our state ahead of the curve and create a more inclusive post-pandemic future where opportunity is accessible to all New Yorkers.”

Funding and incentives for the program are being provided by the state Department of Labor, Empire State Development and the state Energy Research and Development Authority. The program will support critical job training and employment opportunities in high-demand industries for nearly 5,000 New Yorkers statewide.

“As we move forward from the devastating impacts COVID-19 has had on New York’s labor force, we need to create opportunities for workers to succeed in this competitive job market and address the long-term job training needs of growing industries. For many, that means providing workers with access to the skills necessary to compete,” said Assemblyman Harry Bronson. “This funding is crucial for ensuring that New Yorkers emerge strong and more resilient than ever before as we rebuild the New York State economy.”

In the Finger Lakes region grants were awarded to Lifetime Assistance; Rochester Institute of Technology; Rochester Rehabilitation Center Inc.; Seneca Cayuga Yates Counties Chapter NYSARC Inc., dba Mozaic; and Turner Underground Installations.

New York’s Regional Economic Development Councils play a key role in recommending applications for funding, based on regional economic needs and opportunities.

“As New York continues to advance Gov. Cuomo’s bold green energy goals, strategic investment in workforce development and training is essential for attracting workers to the clean energy industry, and preparing new and existing clean energy employees for rewarding and well-paying jobs,” said NYSERDA Acting President and CEO Doreen Harris. “In recent years, New York’s clean energy employment grew at a rate close to three-times the national clean energy job growth and upskilling the existing workforce while creating a pipeline of new talent for future green job opportunities is key to New York’s success as we transition to a carbon neutral economy.”

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