New York Construction News staff writer
Grants worth about $11 million have been awarded to 17 projects through the third round of Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance programs. Funding will support the training of 2,500 workers in construction, renewable energy and other fields.
“By providing proper training and education, we are giving New Yorkers the skills they need to better support themselves and their families.” Said Roberta Reardon, New York State department of labor commissioner.
This third round of awards brings the total funding to more than $24 million that officials say will leverage more than $17 million in public and private funding and support more than 9,000 trainees and about 300 businesses.
The $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program will support the capital needs of workforce training providers that seek to enhance or expand their offerings.
“Successful economic development is built by a well-skilled and well-prepared labor force. Investments like these will reinforce New York State as a producer of high-quality labor and as a hub for industry-tailored workforce training programs, securing the state as a destination for employers from around the world,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight.
Round Three Pay for Performance (P4P) Operating Grant Awardees:
Central NY Works – Central NY – $1-million:
- CNY Works’ Syracuse Build Pathways to Apprenticeship program will expand its current access, capacity, and programming in order to prepare more diverse Syracuse residents for well-paying construction careers in the union building trades and to meet the increased local demand for skilled tradespeople as a result of large-scale projects, including the Micron mega-fab and the relocation of I-81..
SUNY Jamestown Community College – Western NY – $177,590 and $860,100
- Jamestown Community College will enhance and expand their existing workforce development programs with two projects: an expansion of the existing industrial maintenance technician and machining programs; and the development of up to 14 new tech and manufacturing certificate pathways.
Andromeda Community Initiative – New York City – $844,330:
- Andromeda Community Initiative’s Construction Careers Pathway program is a free, hands-on training program to prepare low- or no-income individuals for general and clean energy construction careers. The program provides graduates with the necessary certifications and credentials to work on NYC construction sites, as well as career preparation and development resources and incentives for job placement and retention. Possible pathways include masonry restoration and green energy construction and energy efficiency.
CaHill Resources – Western NY (primary), Central NY, Capital Region, and Long Island – $751,211:
- CaHill’s aQuiRe Construction Academy combines a digital training platform with hands-on learning, resulting in OSHA certifications, on-the-job training, mentorship from industry experts, and continued professional development for two years post-completion. The program will specifically target construction companies staffing up to meet the needs of infrastructure projects across the states. Expansion of the program to include wraparound services, especially mentorship, will help ensure diverse trainees are supported as they enter construction careers.
Monroe-2 BOCES Center for Workforce Development – Finger Lakes – $700,000:
- Electrical Careers Expansion project at Monroe-2 BOCES will establish three short-term but comprehensive programs: Electrical Fundamentals for the Construction Trade, Industrial and Mechanical Electrical, and Industrial Operator. Developed in partnership with local stakeholders, the training will feature hands-on instruction, practice on portable workstation learning systems, and industry-recognized certification, as well as career skills and job placement.
Youth Action Programs and Homes Inc. – New York City – $250,000:
- Youth Action’s new Next Gen Digital Workforce program is industry-driven training preparing low-income youth for high-demand careers in network management and fiber installation. The program includes 165 hours of training, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized credentials, as well as workforce readiness training and job placement with industry partners. The free program is open to low-income individuals aged 18-30 and supports completion through attendance and completion stipends.
Workforce Development Capital Grant winners:
- Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES – Finger Lakes Region – $1.1 million Wayne Finger Lakes BOCES to renovate existing structure at the Wayne Technical and Career Center to increase training space and capacity for their carpentry and electrical trades programs.
- CUNY LaGuardia Community College – New York City – $350,000: LaGuardia Community College will convert under-utilized on-campus labs into new electrical, plumbing, and HVAC labs, which were previously housed in rented space off-campus; and will install an Offshore Wind Working at Heights Tower on-campus.
