Nearly 70 businesses, community colleges and community-based organizations across the state, including Jamestown Community College and several area businesses, have been awarded $3.1 million as part of the state’s Workforce Development Initiative.

The grant funds through the Department of Labor and the State University of New York will support professional training opportunities for 3,644 New Yorkers, teaching them skills that are in demand from employers. Since launching in May 2019, nearly $12 million has been awarded through the $175 million Workforce Development Initiative, which will provide training to more than 8,200 New Yorkers.

“These awards will provide thousands of people with the training and skills they need to compete in today’s fast-growing industries, and ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “The state’s workforce must adapt in order to take advantage of the rapidly changing economy, and our Workforce Development Initiative is giving New Yorkers the edge they need to succeed.”

New York’s Regional Economic Development Councils have a key role in recommending applications for funding, based on regional economic needs and opportunities. Businesses and organizations from eight REDC regions receiving Workforce Development awards include:

JCC is one of the community colleges participating, with local companies participating including Bush Industries, Cattaraugus County, Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES, Southern Tier Environments for Living and TitanX.