NY state officials have announced an Unemployment Strike-force, a new multi-pronged campaign to target areas of the State with the highest unemployment rates and boost employment. In partnership with New York State, Empire State Development, the State Department of Labor and other partners, the campaign will be strategically focused in Bronx, Kings, Jefferson and Lewis counties through the end of 2014.
NY state officials have worked to streamline economic development, job training and job placement. Thus far, New York State's unemployment rate has dropped from 8.2 percent to 6.7 percent, the economy has created more than 440,400 private sector jobs and New York is one of only 17 states to have regained all of the private sector jobs lost during the recession.
The initiative will first be piloted in Bronx County, which has the highest unemployment rate in the state, according to state and federal data. After that, the Strike-force will direct similar resources to the three other target counties.
Equipping New York trainers and workers with the skills that employers are demanding is a key priority of Strikeforce. JPMorgan Chase’s New Skills at Work Initiative was designed to address this issue in communities across the country, and the firm announced today it will invest $20 million in New York over the next five years. A critical component of this initiative includes sector-based, employer-driven training to give more New Yorkers the skills they need to get back to work.
“Although there is a significant number of Americans looking for work, we hear from clients every day about the challenges they face finding workers with the right skills for jobs that are open right now,” said Priscilla Almodovar, head of Chase’s Community Development Banking. “That’s why we’re working with community leaders across New York – technical training programs, community colleges, policymakers and employers – to help address these issues.”
In the Bronx, this investment will be aimed at connecting individuals to jobs and training in six high-demand sectors: Healthcare, Information Technology, Office and Administration, Transportation and Warehousing, Sales, and Hospitality.
Dedicated Strike Force staff will work closely with local elected officials and community-based organizations in the Bronx to connect jobseekers with local business opportunities.
“Often the most expensive part of doing business is job training,” said State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera. “These partnerships will help businesses by reducing or eliminating that expense and help jobseekers by giving them an entry into a career. The Bronx is just the start and the place we know this type of program will have the biggest impact.”
“New York State’s economy has been revitalized under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, thanks to strategic partnerships, smart investments, and innovative initiatives like the Unemployment Strikeforce,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams. “This campaign will help job seekers tap into many opportunities and connect New Yorkers with companies that are looking to hire in their area.”
Hostos Community President Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, said: “It is an honor to be part of the first-ever statewide jobs initiative in the Bronx being launched by Governor Cuomo. I commend him for making the Bronx a central part of this effort. Hostos remains committed to working with community-based partners, employers, state and city agencies to connect students and job seekers with jobs, and provide the education and training needed for them to be ready for the workforce.”
“Montefiore is proud to work with Governor Cuomo and our partners – JPMorgan, Phipps and Hostos – to develop a healthcare workforce pipeline for Bronx youth,” said Steven M. Safyer, President and CEO, Montefiore Health System. “With a workforce 23,000 strong, Montefiore is the largest employer in the Bronx. Our collective efforts will both ensure a promising future for Bronx youth and a workforce that will advance Montefiore's excellence in patient care.”
“Phipps Neighborhoods is delighted that Montefiore Medical Center and Hostos Community College have partnered with us to offer the Career Network: Healthcare, which is helping young people in the Bronx pursue a career in a growing industry that leads to financial independence,” said Dianne Morales, executive director and CEO of Phipps Neighborhoods. “Each partner brings their expertise and deep commitment to this initiative, and key support from JPMorgan Chase helps make this work possible.”
