Programs
Workforce Intelligence
WDI locates, gathers, and analyzes workforce information. This supports regional and statewide economic initiatives to upgrade the skills of incumbent workers, assist in the transition of dislocated workers to new employment, and avert layoffs and facility closings. WDI partners with the NYS Department of Labor, unions and business in this important program.
Childcare Subsidy
WDI works with the Capital Region and Oneida County Departments of Social Services to provide childcare subsidy assistance to income eligible working families. WDI staff facilitates the application process, assists in the selection of developmentally appropriate and safe providers, and provides important family resource information. The program analyzes the impact of the high cost of child care on working families and recommends solutions.
Education and Training
WDI’s education and training programs have funded over 60,000 hours of instruction to over 33,000 dislocated workers, union members and their families through a variety of class offerings statewide. WDI is a leader in training related to green jobs. Workers participate in classes to upgrade their current job skills, provide new skills necessary for job retention, and prepare for emerging jobs. Classes include model pre-apprenticeship programs for the building trades, computer training, asbestos removal, engineering license preparation and many others.
Green Corner
WDI targets resources for green training; has been educating state and regional partners; and established the NYS Apollo Alliance, bringing business, government, organized labor, environmentalists, educators and advocates for environmental justice together to participate in a consensus strategy. The Green Corner will lead you to resources that will help clarify what green jobs are and explain how training, an essential component of WDI’s services, is crucial to advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy practices. The Green Corner will also include information about the network of green services, programs funded by WDI, and others that help bring the perception of green jobs into focus.
Art of Labor
WDI sponsors Art of Labor. These workshops create positive images of workers across New York State, teaching communication skills, building a community within the Labor Movement, and encouraging worker dignity.
Vocational Services
WDI recognizes the importance of retaining individuals with disabilities in the workforce. WDI collaborates with community colleges’ public training programs, local departments of social services and other community-based vocational services to identify eligible candidates, provide them with specialized education and training, and offer them supportive services once employed.
Women of the Workforce
Women comprise half of all US workers and well over half of all women are in the labor force. Today “women are poised to be the engine of the country’s future economic growth.” However, though much has been accomplished over the past 25 years, many challenges remain to women’s success in the workplace: a continuing earnings gap, gender segregated industries, juggling of work and home responsibilities, persistent employment barriers (child care, transportation, language), deterrents to women’s leadership and persistent discrimination.
The Workforce Development Institute’s Women of the Workforce (WOW) Initiative is developing strategies for addressing these and other challenges faced by women in today’s workforce. Women from across NYS representing organized labor, government, business, community based organizations, female veterans, immigrants and refugees, and the education community met to help WDI determine the focus of planned regional events to address these issues.
Workforce Investment Boards
New York State has 33 workforce local workforce investment areas, each with its own governing board. By law, labor has two designated seats on each board. Labor plays a crucial part in the workforce investment system. While representatives of the business community have a larger contingent on each board, the input labor provides can make a positive difference in the lives of working families across the state
