Empire State Development (ESD) has announced nearly $5 million in funding for six workforce development projects across New York State. The grants, provided through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, will support training programs for more than 700 residents in regions including the Finger Lakes, Long Island, New York City, and Western New York. These initiatives involve partnerships between training providers and over 40 employer partners in fields such as construction and advanced manufacturing.
Since its inception, the Office of Strategic Workforce Development has awarded over $65 million to support job training for more than 15,000 New Yorkers. The office was established in April 2022 by Governor Kathy Hochul to help align workforce skills with industry needs in high-growth sectors. Its Pay for Performance Operating Grant Program offers flexible funding to cover program expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services, while its Workforce Development Capital Grant Program addresses capital needs of training providers.
ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated: “Growing a skilled workforce in high-demand industries throughout the state is a cornerstone of New York’s economic development strategy. Through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are supporting employer-driven programs that are creating new opportunities for more New Yorkers to participate and succeed in the 21st century economy.”
The Round 8 grant recipients include:
– Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (Finger Lakes), which received $1.61 million to develop an entry-level Building Trades program focused on workplace safety and various construction skills. Participants will have access to case management services including transportation, childcare, legal aid, housing assistance, and stipends.
– St. Nicks Alliance (New York City), awarded $1 million to support Green Trades programs offering credentialed training for low-income Brooklyn residents in areas such as building maintenance and environmental remediation. The program includes mentorships and alumni retention supports with a focus on sustainability.
– New York City Department of Small Business Services received $691,239 for a five-week pre-apprenticeship program in building trades delivered through Workforce1 Career Center System with Pathways to Apprenticeship.
– Rochester Institute of Technology (Finger Lakes) secured $718,662 to partner with Veterans Outreach Center providing veterans credentialed electronics assembly training along with case management services.
– Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island obtained $354,050 for a plumbing pre-apprenticeship aimed at recruiting high school students or recent graduates into jobs with member contractors.
– Sheet Metal Contractors and Local 71 Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (Western New York) received both operating ($177,927) and capital ($100,000) grants to build a Computer Aided Design lab enhancing apprentices’ CAD skills.
Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson commented: “These targeted workforce development grants exemplify our commitment to building a stronger middle class by investing in the jobs of today and tomorrow. By combining credentialed training in high-demand fields with comprehensive support services such as childcare and transportation assistance, we’re creating real pathways to economic opportunity in regions throughout the State. This is exactly the kind of investment that strengthens our communities and helps families thrive – ensuring good-paying careers are within reach for everyone.”
Applications are now open for Round 9 of OSWD’s grant funding until October 17.
Empire State Development serves as New York’s chief economic development agency overseeing business growth initiatives statewide through efforts such as Regional Economic Development Councils and broadband expansion via ConnectALL office.
