Sharon Williams, director of the Ulster County Office of Employment and Training and of the Ulster County Workforce Development Board, outlined the office’s federally funded workforce programs at the June 17 legislative session and asked legislators to help publicize services to residents in their districts.

Williams told legislators the office is the county’s career center and is collocated with the New York State Department of Labor; its work is guided by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and is largely federally funded. The office also runs a locally supported Brighter Futures initiative for at-risk youth. Williams said the program year runs July 1 through June 30, and that the office received its notice of obligation for the coming year, enabling services to continue for at least one program year.

What the office offers
Williams described three primary training categories: adults, dislocated workers and youth (subdivided into in-school and out-of-school youth). Eligibility requires Ulster County residency and underemployment or unemployment; Williams said the office counts as underemployed residents earning less than $22 per hour. For in-school summer jobs, the program serves young people ages 14 through 20; for other youth services, the typical young-adult age range is 18 to 24 and additional barriers to employment are considered (for example, homelessness, involvement with the criminal-legal system or disability).

Programs and partners
Williams described training in certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs, commercial driver’s license (CDL) instruction, HVAC, solar installation and surgical technology, offered through partners such as SUNY Ulster and Ulster BOCES. She highlighted a partnership with the Lineman Institute that trains electrical line technicians; Williams said many graduates of that lineman program earn substantial wages within a year of completing training.

Youth and business outreach
Williams said last year the office enrolled about 130 young people in summer youth employment and that this year’s cohort is expected to be roughly 117, paid the Ulster County livable wage of $17.70 per hour. The office reported serving about 318 local businesses in 2024 with job referrals, hiring events and candidate vetting. Williams asked legislators for help reaching constituents and said the office can do outreach in local communities if residents cannot visit the career center at 521 Boise’s Lane.

Funding and administration
Williams said the majority of the office’s funding comes from federal WIOA dollars; the office must spend 80% of its allocation each year and may carry over up to 20% into the following program year. She said fiscal oversight also involves the state Department of Labor and that program audits and statewide data systems guide program priorities.

Questions and follow-up
Williams offered to share slides and contact information with legislators and invited follow-up about partnerships and outreach in individual districts. She requested legislative assistance in publicizing services so the office can expand participation beyond the levels seen since the COVID period.

Ending
Williams closed by asking legislators to help connect residents to training opportunities and employers to recruitment services; she left contact information for follow-up and slide materials for legislators to review.