In April 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an investment of $350 million for workforce development, including the creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) within Empire State Development (ESD). This new division is charged with better aligning workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers.
This investment represents a decisive shift toward a state workforce development strategy that is laser-focused on connecting New Yorkers to quality, in-demand jobs in the state’s fastest-growing industries. Funding supports a $150 million workforce development grant program, administered by OSWD, that will support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs.
Investments are focused on statewide priority industry sectors. Through OSWD, ESD is helping to create new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while simultaneously meeting the labor needs of the state’s highest-growth industry sectors.