H-M-O WIB develops partnership for federal WIRED grant application

The Workforce Investment Board is working with other WIBs to develop a project to create an Upstate Corridor for Innovation that will implement the National Information Technology Apprenticeship System on a regional basis as a step toward developing a higher-growth economy. The WIB sees NITAS as a template for other sector initiatives that can help harness the power of the Upstate College Belt to increase the numbers of highly trained workers in the region, develop pipelines for highly skilled workers that reach into public schools to connect emerging workers with emerging careers, and create a sustainable workforce development-economic development-education-community partnership that will support long-term growth.

The WIB will file its application with the New York State Dept. of Labor for consideration as New York’s response to the federal Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) initiative. The federal government will only fund 8-10 regions, and New York will only submit one application from the regions preparing applications. However, the WIB wants to use this as an opportunity to develop regional partnerships as well as pursue the funding of up the $5 million per year over three years.

The WIB is looking for support from partners who can leverage resources that will help make this project a success. Potential partners who have not yet been contacted can contact grant writer Russ Davis at rdavis@ocgov.net.