Success Stories

Cornerstone
WDI graduated a group of eight (8) men and women from its Cornerstone Program on November 12, 2010 in Syracuse, NY.  The program offers training and support to unemployed people in low-income areas who want to enter apprenticeships in the building trades.  The 40 hours of classroom instruction included training in time management, financial literacy, professional deportment, and basic reading and math; necessary skills to find and keep a job.  Additionally, the graduates completed 10 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration construction training and eight hours of volunteer time, gaining hands-on experience in the building trades. 

"If someone is willing to work hard and wants a career in construction this is a great opportunity for them.  We have had good success with this program is the past." - Mary Ellen Mangino, WDI Syracuse Regional Director

Cornerstone is conducted through the Workforce Development Institute with funding from the NYS Department of Labor.   If you are interested in learning more about Cornerstone contact Mary Ellen Mangino, WDI Regional Director.

Here is a recent success story from the Cornerstone Program: Todd

Pathways to Paychecks
WDI has partnered with 8 different community-based organizations to move unemployed or underemployed workers into healthcare jobs and a career track.

Outcome: To date, 72 individuals have received a Healthcare Worker Credential, which reflects 43% of the grant’s 2-year goal (a success rate of 86% of goal).

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.

Green Train
In collaboration with the Northside Coalition, WDI istraining Northside residents in fields related to environmentalsustainability and "green" industry. The first two classes of the program were offered to 26 students and have resulted in 15 jobplacements and 4 seasonal jobs. The third class, which took place fromJuly to September of 2009, has already resulted in 8 job placements forthe 14 students enrolled in the class. The jobs are in construction andweatherization jobs that were only available after the students receivedcertification.

Photovoltaic Systems
In June, 2010, IBEW Local 325 received a 40-hour training course in Photovoltaic Systems. As thegreen industry continues to grow, it is increasingly necessary for unionmembers to meet the growing demand and take advantage of newopportunities. By helping to fund this training and education, WDI wasable to offer IBEW members the benefits of expanded knowledge andincreased job opportunities.
Outcome: All 19 studentswho participated in the course finished the 40 hours and received theircertificate.