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Want to grow your career or your presence in the industry? These business associations and job and apprenticeship banks are here to help.
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS
THE BUSINESS COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER
The Business Council of Westchester represents more than 1,000 employers throughout the county, providing its members with access to business development opportunities, demographic research, and lobbying efforts on issues that directly affect their businesses.
THE CATALYST — WESTCHESTER COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Westchester County’s Office of Economic Development helps businesses thrive and grow by connecting them to grants, training, and other resources.
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER & HUDSON VALLEY, INC.
The Construction Industry Council represents more than 600 construction businesses, including contractors, suppliers, consultants, and other professionals. The council maintains a directory of union apprenticeship training programs, which can be found at www.cicbca.org/resources.
THE COUNCIL OF INDUSTRY
The Council of Industry is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the success of manufacturers in the Hudson Valley. Offerings include management and leadership trainings and an array of workforce development programs, such as the New York State Manufacturing Alliance Apprenticeship Program. For a full list of workforce development programs supported by the Council of Industry, go to www.councilofindustry.org/aboutus.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION (WCA)
WCA is an independent voice for Westchester’s business community, representing members in real estate, healthcare, finance/banking, hospitality, technology, nonprofits, higher education, local government, and others. The association uses its strong relationships with colleges and other training providers to help employers build their talent pipeline. It has also published a comprehensive employer resource guide, which can be found at www.westchester.org/employerguide.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (WDI)
The institute works directly with employers and unions to understand major workforce development issues and address them. Employers looking to develop their workforce can apply to WDI for grants, with funding individualized to meet the exact needs of each applicant. WDI is particularly committed to helping manufacturing operations grow.
JOB AND APPRENTICESHIP BANKS
FUTURE SKILLS EXCHANGE
This website, an initiative of the New York State Workforce Development Institute, works to connect job seekers with training providers in industries such as construction, healthcare, and IT.
NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
The department maintains a comprehensive list of currently available apprenticeship programs, which can be found at dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship/overview. It also offers recruitment services for employers as well as funding opportunities for apprenticeships and other internal training programs. Learn more at dol.ny.gov/services-businesses.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP RESOURCES
THE ACCELERATION PROJECT (TAP)
TAP has helped nearly 100,000 small businesses — most of them owned by women or people of color — with its consulting and strategic advisory services.
COMMUNITY CAPITAL NEW YORK
This nonprofit lender works to create an inclusive and equitable economy by focusing on funding for entrepreneurs and small business owners typically excluded by other lenders.
NEW YORK STATE SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER
The Small Business Development Center provides small business owners and entrepreneurs with business counseling, training and business research at no cost.
SCORE WESTCHESTER
At SCORE, experienced entrepreneurs, corporate managers and executives volunteer their expertise to help small businesses start and succeed.
WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (WEDC)
WEDC provides free online courses to help build women’s skills in crucial areas such as negotiation, marketing, presentation, social media, and technology. Entrepreneurs can also apply to the organization for small business loans up to $50,000.
Related: Where to Find the Job Candidates You Need in Westchester
COLLEGES AND TRAINING PROVIDERS
THE COLLEGE OF WESTCHESTER (CW)
CW’s career focus programs are designed with input from local employers, and class schedules are flexible, with evening and online classes available. The college offers a range of certificate programs for adult students looking to enhance their skills or launch a new career.
FORDHAM WESTCHESTER
Fordham can create customized learning experiences to develop the talent of new and veteran employees through short-term, on-site, on-campus, or online learning options. Subject-specific boot camps for employees are also offered.
IONA COLLEGE
Iona’s Gerri Ripp Center for Career Development supports employers’ recruitment efforts by working to identify students whose skills make them a good fit for the employers’ needs.
LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (LIU) HUDSON
LIU’s innovative MBA at Your Office program brings professional development onsite to participating employers.
MANHATTANVILLE COLLEGE
Employers can partner with the School of Professional Studies at Manhattanville to provide their workforce with training opportunities, including certificate programs, at a significant discount.
MERCY COLLEGE
Mercy College offers more than 40 online degree programs and certificates in dozens of disciplines, including health services, education and accounting. Through its Career Communities, Mercy provides students with personalized, industry-based career education, and coaching. Learn more at career.mercy.edu/channels/career-communities.
MONROE COLLEGE
Monroe College’s offerings include certificate programs and associate degrees, many of which can be pursued online. Monroe’s Corporate Partnership Program connects job seekers and employers through panels, job fairs, and networking events.
PACE UNIVERSITY
Pace combines strong academics with internships, research opportunities, and other resume-building experiences. Pace’s Career Services program helps connect students with the university’s employer partners. Learn more at careerservices.pace.edu.
PURCHASE COLLEGE
The School of Continuing Education at Purchase College offers professional certificate programs, some of which can be completed online, in areas such as healthcare, computer programming, and project management.
At Westchester Community College’s Spring Open House, prospective students can explore more than 60 degree and certificate programs to find their perfect fit. Courtesy Westchester Community College
SUNY WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE (WCC)
WCC offers more than 65 different degree and certificate programs for both recent graduates and older job changers, as well as workforce training that can lead to industry-recognized credentials and licensures. The college’s Professional Development Center also provides workforce development scholarships. Learn more at www.sunywcc.edu/continuing-ed/pdc.
WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM CAREER CENTER NETWORK/WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM ONE-STOP
The One-Stop centers provide a number of training and job-placement programs specifically aimed at students. While the One-Stop centers are currently closed to the public, their resources and services are still available. One-Stop staff members can be reached via email or phone. For an employee directory, see www.westchesterputnamonestop.com/about/locations-and-contacts.
WESTCOP (WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM, INC.)
WestCOP provides free skills training for those looking to change careers or enhance their employability. Find a list of currently available trainings at www.westcop.org/trainings.
CAREER REENTRY SUPPORT
CHILD CARE COUNCIL OF WESTCHESTER, INC.
The availability and cost of childcare is one of the biggest hurdles to reentry into the labor force. For a comprehensive list of available care providers and financial assistance options, go to www.childcarewestchester.org/services/parents/paying-for-care.
HOUSING ACTION COUNCIL (HAC)
Affordable housing near employment opportunities can be a major consideration for those reentering the job market. HAC provides counseling for households looking to purchase their first home, including help with improving credit scores and affording a down payment.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE (WDI)
WDI aims to remove obstacles for talent to join or rejoin the workforce through its Child Care Subsidy Program. Learn more at www.wdiny.org/explore-our-work/child-care-subsidy-program.