Success Stories

Clean-Room Technologies
WDI funded a large effort to train plumbers, steamfitters, and sheet metal workers in clean-room protocol and safety construction training. The training addresses both current workers shortages as well as a projected significant increase in demand brought on by the arrival of Saratoga County’s new large employer, Global Foundries (AMD) chip fab plant. 

Outcome: 428 people were trained and 388 were certified, a 91% success rate. Seven different unions benefitted from the program.

Building Bridges

WDI developed a program with the local Workforce Development Center to give young adults who have experienced barriers to employment appropriate training that will enable them to sit for apprenticeship exams for the Building Trades.
Outcome: In the latest cycle, half of the 30 individuals who began the program entered a formal union apprenticeship program.

Project Empire
WDI has partnered with the Amalgamated Transit Union to address the chronic shortage of skilled transit maintenance technicians in these regions, particularly in the use of hybrid (electric/gas) bus maintenance. 

Outcome: Over 175 employees have been trained in the latest developments impacting hydraulic systems, alternative fuels, computer technology, and electronics.