Workforce development is a big business, and a popular topic for politicians, regardless of party.
“There are now 84 organizations providing more than 370 distinct programs, according to a recent study by RochesterWorks, a nonprofit workforce development agency serving Monroe County.”
That’s from a story WXXI News published last fall.
The city of Rochester is awaiting results of a “gap analysis” looking at what more should be done and how local government can more effectively assist in the effort. Meanwhile, the state is investing on multiple fronts, offering tax credits for paid apprenticeships in manufacturing sector, and planning to open four new advanced manufacturing training centers across upstate, with Rochester likely to be one location.
But what is workforce development?
Differing ideologies can lead to different answers.
Some put the focus squarely on training programs, which increasingly are part of any sizable government assistance grant. Take Micron for example. The company received $6 billion in direct funding from the federal government, with the caveat that at least $40 million be dedicated to workforce development.
For industry to grow, it needs workers who are motivated and skilled to fill those jobs.
But some argue these efforts can’t begin and end with coursework. True workforce development, they say, must address barriers to employment like transportation and childcare, offer career pathways with added support, paid training, career and financial advising, and outreach to diverse, underserved communities to ensure equity.
That, of course, means dedicating more money to the cause.
And when you hear “good quality jobs” from the left it’s often a signal that they want to ensure a living wage, benefits, and often union protections.
Those debates are happening in Washington, while in Albany there is a smorgasbord of bills and plans to bolster the workforce and address the worker shortage, particularly in certificate or middle-skills jobs.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a state Office of Strategic Workforce Development in 2022, promising that aforementioned “holistic approach.” The office awarded nearly $40 million during its first 24 months – more than $4 million of that directed to organizations in Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
