New York State Department of Labor Employment and Workforce Solutions

Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions

The Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions (DEWS) provides policy leadership, program direction, and administrative oversight for the integrated workforce investment system under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). WIA supports economic growth and barrier-free access to programs and services for adults, dislocated workers, youth, and special populations.

A primary responsibility of the Division is to lead the State’s Workforce Development System toward increasingly higher performance in the delivery of workforce services to jobseekers and businesses statewide.

Ultimately, the goal of DEWS is to provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace for its customers, whether they are the individuals or businesses served.

Mission Statement

The Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions (DEWS) is the source for workforce information and system-building support in New York State. DEWS provides policy leadership, program direction, and administrative oversight for the integrated workforce investment system under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), which supports economic growth and barrier-free access to programs and services for adults, dislocated workers, youth, and special populations.

A primary responsibility of the Division is to lead the State's Workforce Development System toward increasingly higher performance in the delivery of workforce services to jobseekers and businesses statewide. This responsibility is carried out through the provision of capacity building, guidance, technical assistance, and oversight of the public workforce system and services delivered through WIA Title IB, Wagner-Peyser, and other partner programs. The Division serves as staff to the State Workforce Investment Board and administrator of federal Workforce Investment Act funds and State funded workforce activities, including Apprenticeship Training and delivery of employment services.

Through targeted investments in industry sector and transformational strategies, regional initiatives, and a customer-focused alignment of goals and resources, the Division is committed to promoting a strong economy by building a prepared and competitive workforce.

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a time-honored approach to training skilled workers through a combination of on-the job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices are full-time employees who produce high-quality work while they learn skills that enhance their employment prospects. An apprentice operates under the close supervision of a skilled worker on the job and takes related classroom instruction at night or on weekends. A graduated pay scale assures that salary reflects the degree of skill achieved.

Apprenticeship programs are conducted by employers, jointly by employers and unions, or by groups of employers. The State Department of Labor registers apprenticeship programs, working with forward-looking businesses across the state to develop the skilled workforce of the future. Training funds may be available for some programs. The State Department of Labor staff can provide, free of charge, complete details and technical assistance in setting up your own apprentice training program.

Business Services

Our Business Services staff across the state can help you compete in today's tough business environment. We offer many services to help you with your workforce needs. These free services can save you thousands of dollars each year and include:

• Job posting on the New York State Job Bank
• Customized Recruitments and Career Fairs
• Hiring Incentives, Tax Credits and On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• HR Consulting
• Training
• Workforce Intelligence
• Apprenticeship Programs
• New York Job Service Employer Committee (JSEC)
• Occupational and Skills Analysis
• Layoff Aversion

Career Services

We provide convenient no cost job search services to jobseekers at our One Stop Career Centers across the state. These free services include:

• Career counseling
• Skills assessment
• Resume development
• Career workshops (such as job search strategies, networking, interview skills, etc)
• Computer and internet access
• Computer workshops
• Adult Basic Education/English as a Second Language
• Phones, faxes and copiers
• Career resource library
• Job search resources and job placement assistance
• Vocational classroom training for those that qualify
• Financial aid for training
• Online Talent Bank
• Access to qualified service providers
• Referrals to other educational, training and social services

Veterans’ Services

As a veteran, you receive priority services in all New York State employment and training programs. This priority service is guaranteed in federal law and by the New York State Veterans Bill of Rights for Employment Services.

Some ways we can aid you include:

• Career assessment
• Referral to jobs
• Contacting employers on your behalf
• Resume preparation help
• Information on Federal, State and local civil service jobs
• Job-search planning
• Talent Bank, where you can post your resume to a wide audience of employers
• Information on direct appointment to civil service positions (55c)
• Information on apprenticeship, a way to train for skilled occupations that combines on-the-job learning with classes
• Referral to other agencies that serve veterans
• Unemployment Insurance information