We've got valuable new opportunities and workforce news to share with you this month. Including:

• a new grant program/free learning opportunity
• job search workshops
• hiring events
• free online workshops from NYSDOL
• and lots more!

READ IT HERE

The Workforce Development Board is sponsoring a FREE virtual job fair on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 11am to 1pm.

All businesses and job seekers in Herkimer, Madison, Oneida counties are invited.

Job seekers and businesses can chat one-on-one on a virtual job fair platform that is easy to use.

REGISTER HERE TODAY!

Businesses: Select "Organization"
Job Seekers: Select "Attendee"

If you have previously attended a job fair on the Premier Virtual platform your profile/booth remains on the system. Select log in.

There will be a preview period on Monday, August 17, 2026, starting at 8am: Job seekers can log in and preview jobs ahead of the job fair on Tuesday. There will be no business representatives in the booths at this time.

LEARN MORE/DOWNLOAD THE FLYER

ATTENDING BUSINESSES AS OF AUGUST 17, 2026

Community Wellness Partners
Upstate Caring Partners
NYS Department of Civil Service Office of Diversity and Inclusion Management
NYS Office of Mental Health - Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center
Oneida County Personnel
Merlin Mold & Manufacturing, Inc.
Central New York Psychiatric Center
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
opwdd.ny.gov/career-opportunities
Lithia & Driveway
GoNetspeed

The Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison & Oneida Counties, Inc. (WDB), is excited to announce a new workforce program designed to help adults returning from incarceration or currently on probation supervision build stable careers and reduce their risk of returning to the justice system.

Career Squad is funded by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services through its Innovation: Alternatives to Incarceration and Re-Entry Services and Interventions initiative, with a one-year award of $730,041. The program serves residents of Herkimer, Madison, and Oneida Counties, including the City of Utica, and runs through June 2027.

Participants receive one-on-one case management and peer mentorship, cognitive behavioral programming, and life-skills workshops covering financial literacy and other essentials. From there, the program connects them to a Workplace Readiness Credential, up to 100 hours of paid work experience, and ongoing support with job search, placement, and retention, along with practical help clearing everyday barriers like obtaining a state ID or transportation.

Career Squad accepts referrals from county probation departments, correctional facilities, and community partners across the region.

"Everyone deserves a real shot at building a stable, working life, especially when they're doing the hard work of coming home and starting over. Career Squad gives our case managers the time and tools to walk alongside someone through that process, not just point them toward a job, but help them keep it," says Director Alan Lam.

For more information, please contact Alan Lam, , (315) 207-6951 ext. 112.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE

You won't want to miss our July newsletter. We're sharing:

>Staff news

>Program successes

>Upcoming helpful job search workshops

>FREE training/learning opportunities

>Hiring events

>New local job opportunities

And lots more!

READ IT HERE