When forming a group to revitalize a region, you need partners who have a good track record with their people. Broome-Tioga Workforce (BTWF) has a legacy role in the region for upskilling the under- and unemployed and re-entry populations through industry-responsive and innovative workforce programs. True to its mission in writing as well as in action, BTWF’s doors are open to everyone.
“The main thing is connecting job seekers with the Broome-Tioga Workforce team. We take the time to understand customer barriers and life circumstances,” BTWF Grant Administrator Brendan O’Bryan said. “We have a solid group of counselors who have a keen understanding of barriers and are quick to learn new ones that come up, and we take great care in pairing up people who can work well together.”
BTWF’s main program in partnership with NENY is the Opportunity in Innovation Training Program (OITP). This program trains 20-25 people for jobs in advanced manufacturing, with classroom instruction located in Oakdale Commons and hands-on equipment training at SUNY Broome and BTWF. After five weeks of full-day training sessions, the cohort graduates and quickly pivots to live, in-person interviews with regional employers in the manufacturing sector.
What people often don’t know
BTWF assists with every aspect of the training and job searching process, from finances to even logistics like travel.
A big advantage to being in these training programs is having the opportunity to be reimbursed for specific tools, work boots or other items required to purchase after landing a job. Attending trainings while out of work can also be challenging for some, so BTWF also assists program participants with gas cards and passes for the B.C. Transit. If a participant requires a specific training or certification that has a fee, BTWF assists with that cost as well.
BTWF relies on several key partners in and outside the coalition to make some of these offerings a reality. It keeps an ongoing dialogue with the folks at B.C. Transit so it knows bus routes and timings. This way, when it’s time to bring on a new employer, it can help them understand, from a hiring perspective, what shifts can be filled based on available transportation.
Another one of BTWF’s financial literacy partners is the Visions Federal Credit Union. It will talk with program participants about best practices in banking, budgeting and managing finances so they can be ready upon employment, which is especially helpful for youth who are brand new to having a bank account.
Broome-Tioga BOCES is another key partner and fellow adult-education resource in the region. When BOCES encounters a learner who cannot cover tuition costs, they are often referred to BTWF. When enrolled in BTWF, they can then apply for tuition assistance for the BOCES program.
“We get customers that come to us when they’ve applied to 20-plus positions and aren’t getting interviews. This program is perfect because we look at their resumes, they get access to support for tools, professional work gear and attire – and it ends with a guaranteed interview on graduation day,” said O’Bryan.
Manufacturing is not always the work you imagine
Partners of NENY, like BTWF or the Alliance for Manufacturing and Technology, who tour manufacturers’ facilities in the Southern Tier, can say firsthand: It’s not the dirty, drab picture that might come to mind when picturing manufacturing. Employee safety is the number one priority, tidiness is crucial, and understanding the technology is key to a good-paying job.
Looking forward, BTWF and others in the workforce development and manufacturing industries hope people from all walks of life see a path of possibility in their work. It just takes a little curiosity and commitment to the resources available before the doors open up.
“I’ve seen this program change lives,” said O’Bryan. “We had one customer in particular who signed up for OITP, had attendance and engagement issues at the start, and ended up dropping out. I made sure they knew our door was always open. A year later, they walked through the door and signed up again for OITP. They never missed a class, were a standout participant and landed a job at the end of the program. They’ve been a great referral for us and it’s just great to see that person still thriving in the job today.”
BTWF offers OITP multiple times per year. Recently, it has received feedback from local employers of the increasing need for administrative and project management skills to fill jobs now and in the near future. They will be looking at adding these areas as modules or brand new programs going forward.
Learn more and stay up to date with trainings from BTWF at broometiogaworks.com