Recent Labor Market Developments

Unemployment Rates (not seasonally adjusted) for Utica-Rome MSA (Oneida and Herkimer Counties)

December 2011: 8.1%

November 2011: 7.4%

December 2010: 8.1%

The unemployment rate in the Utica-Rome MSA was 8.1 percent in December 2011, unchanged from December 2010. The current jobless rate is at its highest December level on record, tying the December rates in 2010 and 2009. (The current unemployment rate series began in 1990.)
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Free Training Program for Food Stamp Recipients

This program is available through Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to individuals currently receiving Food Stamps. Interested individuals can apply to participate in the Healthcare training Program to receive certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

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Picente Launches Public-Private Effort to Provide Summer Jobs for Youth

Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr., joined by representative of the Rome Area Chamber of Commerce, Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce and School and Business Alliance today announced that Oneida County’s Office of Workforce Development will be offering a Summer Youth Employment Program in 2012. He called upon local employers and agencies to work with the county to provide challenging, work sites for Oneida County youth.
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Fast Lane to Cybersecurity

Herkimer, NY—Herkimer County Community College is offering a 32-hour cybersecurity training program to individuals looking to augment their technology skills in a challenging and competitive job market. Offered in partnership with Herkimer Working Solutions One-Stop Career Center and MVCC’s CyberJobs program, the training is provided at no cost to qualified individuals as a result of grant funding from the United States Department of Labor.

Fast Lane to Cybersecurity will introduce participants to the basics of the cyber field. Topics to be covered include Math, Operating Systems, Network Fundamentals, Network Security and Computer Science. Class dates are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, March 20 to April 5 from 5-9 p.m. Pre-registration is required by March 14. Intermediate computer skills are required. Space is limited.

Pre-registration can be completed by calling (315) 866-0300 ext. 8251, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2012 Summer Youth Employment Program

Fast facts about the Summer Youth Employment Program:

  • Youth work an average of 50 hours. Youth earn $7.25 per hour
  • The program lasts for up to 5 weeks starting July 5th
  • Work sites are located in all parts of the County.

Download the Pre-Application

Free Computer Training Program Offered at HCCC

Herkimer, NY—Herkimer County Community College is offering a 28-hour introduction to computers training program to individuals looking to augment their technology skills in a challenging and competitive job market. Offered in partnership with Herkimer Working Solutions One-Stop Career Center and MVCC’s CyberJobs program, the training is provided at no cost to qualified individuals who are actively seeking employment as a result of grant funding from the United States Department of Labor.

Computer Basics will introduce participants to the basics of computer technology in a hands-on learning environment. Topics to be covered include basic computer applications, MS Word, MS Excel, and MS Access. The course will run Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, March 20 to April 12, from 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required by March 13. Space is limited.

The training will take place on the HCCC campus. Pre-registration can be completed by calling (315) 866-0300 ext. 8254, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

The next step to your IT career is FREE!

No matter where you stand on the career ladder, Mohawk Valley Community College Cyberjobs has a class to fit your needs and your busy schedule … and it’s free! This is a unique training opportunity for those seeking new skills in the rapidly growing job fields of information technology and cybersecurity. No experience? No problem! The grant-funded program can help you at any stage, from entry level to expert.
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Governor Cuomo Launches NY Youth Works Program to Address Inner City Jobs Crisis

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the launch of “NY Youth Works,” a statewide program to combat the unacceptably high unemployment rates among inner city youth in communities across New York. The new program, passed last month in an extraordinary session of the state legislature, includes $25 million in tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed and disadvantaged youth and $62 million to support job training programs. For more information read the full press release at http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/1232012JobsCrisis.