FILLING THE GAP: Connecting & Training Local Skilled Employees With Ulster Businesses
Article by Rachel Meirs
One of the biggest challenges local businesses face today is finding the right, skilled employees. Luckily in Ulster County there are a number of resources available to help train talent and make connections with local businesses. For starters, it's time to get the word out about Ulster Works (UW). According to Sharon Williams, Director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training and Workforce Development, Ulster Works (UW) is an incredibly useful local resource for businesses, offering a wide range of business-specific programs and resources.
Perhaps the service Ulster Works is best known is their website (https://www.ulsterworks.com/employers/list-your-job-online) where employers can list job openings that will appear on the NY State job database, Department of Labor listings, and UW’s social media pages. But UW is much more - for businesses looking for skills-development help with current employees, they offer a Business Training program that helps middle-skills employees advance to higher-skilled positions within a business, and provide needed credentialing. The program also offers grants and young adult employment programs that cover the costs of a three-month paid internship. Ulster Works also offers an On-the-Job Training Program that reimburses employers up to 75% of the wages during the training period for a new employee. This encourages the development of local skilled talent and help local businesses to fill key positions.
Williams says "we're ready to assist employers, as well as job seekers, and make the match between the two groups” says Williams. To contact the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training and Workforce Development, Ulster Works (UW) offices, visit: https://www.ulsterworks.com/contact-us.
In addition to Ulster Works, there are a several other helpful programs for local businesses for job training and employment resources. SUNY Ulster has useful resources for those looking to recruit new employees. Businesses can use the College Central network (https://www.sunyulster.edu/.../employer-resources/index.php) to recruit their students and graduates, exhibit at events including SUNY Ulster’s annual career fair, and arrange for company visits through the college. Companies can also apply for the SUNY Workforce Development Grant, administered by SUNY Ulster on behalf of a company in need of workforce development training. More information on the requirements and application process can be found here (https://ulstercountyny.gov/.../workforce-incentive-programs).
As sectors like film, hospitality and tourism continue to grow in Ulster County, more training opportunities for people looking to start or advance their careers in these industries are also being launched. Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County’s Office of Tourism & Film, sees enormous potential in the hospitality industry locally, and hopes many of the training programs currently offered might eventually be replicated at the county level. Berger points out that “anybody who's started a career in hospitality can use those skills anywhere, whether they become a police officer or a school teacher,” and there are lots of opportunities to climb up the career ladder locally. One particular model of note is the Salt School, hosted by Salt Hotels which runs the local resort Hutton Brickyard. For those interested in checking out their future training bootcamps and employer information, visit https://www.salthotels.com/salt-school.
In the growing local film industry, Stockade Works is a non-profit organization that provides workforce development programs in film & television production, with a focus on providing opportunities to the most underserved communities in the Hudson Valley. Individuals interested in attending a workshop should check out upcoming opportunities on their website. For businesses or productions in the Hudson Valley that want to find local employees who match their exact needs, email info@stockadeworks.org or visit https://stockadeworks.org/hire-local-crew/.
(Photo: Stockade Works)