State of the Workforce
Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties

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Youth

Key Factors

Long-term workforce development in key areas such as information technology and health care requires outreach at the high school level (or sooner) to inform students about potential careers so that they can take the needed courses for college entry and college success.

Meanwhile, youth who drop out of school are difficult to reconnect with education. Without a GED, they face limited employment options. The population of youth who do not graduate from high school has risen in light of the higher state standards.

Policy Actions

The WIB and its partners have increased their partnerships with educational organizations to offer support and outreach to students interested in vital economic sectors.

STEP: Oneida County Workforce Development and Mohawk Valley Community College collaborated to secure a three-year Science and Technology Entry Program grant from the New York State Department of Education. Over the three years, more than 100 students will receive internships, job shadowing and academic supports to help them graduate from high school with the skills they need to succeed in college.

Nursing Workforce Diversity: The WIB and MVCC, in cooperation with local community-based and faith-based organizations, are developing a Nursing Workforce Diversity project to provide work experience and academic support to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who can enter the region’s health care workforce to help provide culturally competent care.

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