By Hank Russell
An educational organization has received $1.88 million for its workforce development program. The money came from $15 million that the state provided, which was distributed to 13 different workforce development programs across the state.
Nassau BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Nassau County) received a $1.88 million Pay for Performance (P4P) Operating Grant. The funding will be used to support the development of a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining and expanded welding programs to supplement recent physical upgrades to the training space supported in part by the U.S. Navy.
These upgrades were designed to directly address workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries, which are critical to Long Island’s economy and national security. The project serves the local manufacturing supply chain of more than 300 local partners, with training supporting traditional high-school pathways, along with introductory adult education and incumbent worker upskilling.
Based in Garden City, Nassau BOCES is the largest BOCES in New York State. Serving 56 school districts in Nassau County, its mission is to enhance public education and the opportunities available to students of all ages and abilities by providing access to innovative and cost-effective services.
Governor Kathy Hochul first established the Office of Strategic Workforce Development at ESD in April 2022 to support industry-driven workforce programs to ensure that more New Yorkers have the skills for in-demand jobs that pay a living wage in the state’s high-growth industries. P4P Operating Grants offer flexible funding to help providers cover programmatic expenses like curriculum development and wraparound services to prepare New Yorkers with in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials.
“Reshaping New York’s approach to workforce training has been a pillar of my economic development strategy — and we’re seeing the results,” Hochul said. “By working with employers in target industries, more New Yorkers are learning the skills needed for high-demand jobs, while receiving the support they need to promote greater success. These projects represent an investment in New Yorkers and the future of our state’s economy.”