At a meeting of the Sullivan County Economic Development Committee, staff reported several ongoing workforce training programs and updated the committee on local labor-market figures, including an unemployment rate of 3.7% for August.

The update, delivered during committee reports, outlined training and hiring activity countywide and why it matters: workforce development programs are supporting local employers and connecting residents with credential and placement opportunities.

Committee members heard that a Certified Nursing Assistant class at the college is progressing and another class is scheduled for April with a waiting list. A Commercial Driver’s License cohort started recently at the college in partnership with a Kingston training provider and runs through Oct. 27, with testing the day after the last class. Workforce staff said students in that course are funded through federal Workforce Investment dollars.

Officials reported 76 adults and dislocated workers currently enrolled in a variety of Workforce Investment Act–funded services. The county’s disability resource coordinator has worked with 281 participants to date; 203 remain actively enrolled and 47 individuals with disabilities have gained employment. The career center served 570 people in August and listed 226 job openings; services were provided to six new businesses. The workforce office plans an in-house hiring event on Oct. 23 featuring New Hope Community and Monticello Central School. A recent hiring event on Oct. 7 drew 56 job seekers, above the typical 30s range.

Labor-market detail presented to the committee showed a total labor force of about 38,300, with roughly 36,900 employed (a decline of about 200) and 1,400 unemployed, a figure committee staff described as "flat" compared with prior reporting. There are about 32,900 nonfarm jobs in the county: 73% are private service-providing (with private education and health care accounting for about 37% of jobs, or roughly 8,800 positions), 11% are goods-producing and 16% government. Of goods-producing jobs, staff said 61% are in manufacturing and 39% in mining, logging and construction—predominantly construction locally.

Committee members did not take formal action on the workforce items during the meeting. Staff noted the employer educational forum at the workforce summit on Oct. 15 will highlight "practical tools, strategies, and resources to strengthen hiring and create a more inclusive environment," and encouraged employers to register. Registration is available via the QR code on the summit flyer or by calling the Center for Workforce Development at 794-3340.

The presentation included program timelines and eligibility details voiced by staff, including that CDL course participants must have a valid driver’s license, pass a drug test and a DOT physical. The committee did not vote on funding or new programs at this session.