Fostering industry-driven training of in-demand skills and direct job placement
In April 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new investment of $350 million for workforce development and the creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) within Empire State Development (ESD), a new division charged with better aligning workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers.
This investment represents a decisive shift toward a state workforce development strategy that is laser-focused on connecting New Yorkers to quality, in-demand jobs in the state’s fastest-growing industries. Funding will support $150 million workforce development grant programs, administered by OSWD, that will support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs.
Investments will be focused on statewide and regional targeted industry sectors. Through OSWD, ESD will help create new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while simultaneously meeting the labor needs of the state’s highest-growth industry sectors.
Statewide Target Industries
- Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
- Biotech and Life Sciences
- Cleantech and Renewable Energy
- Construction
- Electronics and Optics, Photonics, and Imaging (OPI)
- Film and TV Production and Post-Production
- Software and Digital Media
Since formally launching on October 17, 2022, OSWD has hit the ground running and has begun to lay the foundation for the State’s new approach to workforce development. The office announced its first round of grant awards in December 2022, the second round in March 2023, and a third round in June 2023, with combined awards totaling over $24 million to 39 workforce development projects across the state which will train over 9,000 New Yorkers for over 500 business partners. Going forward, additional awards will be announced on a quarterly basis.
The success of the Governor’s historic investment and of this Office depends on partnership and collaboration from numerous parties – employers and industries, workers and unions, workforce development providers and advocates, academic and philanthropic institutions, regional partners, and government agencies. OSWD is committed to partnering with all stakeholders to advance its mission and have a transformative impact on New York State’s workforce ecosystem.
In April 2023, OSWD released its first progress report, highlighting progress to date and outlining some of the work ahead. Press release with executive summary and full report can be found here.