Chamberwise: Busy, Busy, Busy on Workforce Training

By Garry Douglas ◆ Photo supplied

Some 25 years ago, the North Country Chamber entered the field of workforce training by initiating our Workplace Safety Program which continues, with state support, to offer a variety of free workshops throughout the year as well as potential assistance with on-site trainings. We are the only Chamber in the state to do this.

In more recent years — in response to calls from employers to help address workforce skill needs — our efforts have expanded, securing various funding resources for a range of employee training efforts. The oldest of these is our popular Chamber On-the-Job Training Program, helping businesses to design effective on-the-job training plans and then providing the employer with compensation for the training period. Thanks to support from Assemblyman Michael Cashman, we will be launching another round soon.

Then, a few years ago, with support from a good friend, State Senator Jeremy Cooney, we began our Welding Academy for Alstom and other companies in collaboration with CV-TEC and Clinton Community College’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing. This has become a model training program and will continue through 2027 thanks to another funding award through the Senator in his role as Senate Transportation Committee Chair. And before he retired last year, another friend, Senator Neil Breslin, provided $50,000 to renew and upgrade the IAM welding equipment.

And there’s more in the wings, including a $350,000 federal appropriation provided by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer for a new, flexible Advanced Manufacturing Training Support Program we will be able to finalize and begin soon. Plus, we are optimistic about securing a second round of training funds from Hydro Quebec’s Green Economy Fund in special support for Micro Bird this year.

Addressing changing workforce needs is a commitment that will continue at the Chamber as a key part of our economic mission — listening to our employers, collaborating with partners and always looking for and lining up needed assistance.

Garry Douglas is president of the 4,000+ member

North Country Chamber of Commerce.