A little over a year ago the Senate Task Force on Workforce Development was established to review the state’s existing job training programs for both job seekers and workers interested in advancement or a career change. The task force was charged with developing new initiatives to improve employee readiness, connect job seekers with potential employers, retrain those who have lost jobs, and make certain that our workforce meets changing private sector needs.

As a member of the task force, I joined with my colleagues in reviewing existing employment programs and exploring the needs of employers and job seekers with an eye toward growing our economy. The task force held a number of forums around the state and just released a report summarizing our findings.

Before a company moves to New York or expands here, there are a number of factors that are considered – regulations, energy costs, and the availability of a well-trained workforce. This report really focuses on the needs of new, developing industries and how best to train New Yorkers to fill the jobs of the future. Among the recommendations: