WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE!
GENEVA, NEW YORK – The Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board Inc. (FLWIB) announced today that Workforce Development Institute (WDI) is July’s “Community Partner of the Month” recognizing their efforts in working collaboratively with Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board to address workforce issues impacting the region.
The Workforce Development Institute (WDI) began in 2003 as a partner to the NYS AFL-CIO and Area Labor Federations to provide workforce training and education services to regional and local unions. Their role has since evolved and they now focus more broadly on the growth and retention of good jobs in New York State through a variety of mechanisms. Their work is often accomplished through partnerships and collaborations with businesses, unions, other non-profits, educational institutions, and government. WDI works regionally to identify targeted strategies that address workforce development opportunities and challenges. These strategies can include partnerships, training and/or funding.
In the Finger Lakes Region WDI is a regular sponsor of “Finger Lakes Works with Their Hands” an annual career exploration event coordinated through the FLWIB that has allowed thousands of high-school students to experience careers in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing over the last ten years. Additionally, WDI has provided scholarships for the Advanced Manufacturing Machinist Training program offered through Finger Lakes Community College at GW Lisk and ITT Gould’s Pumps. WDI also works directly with local businesses, like Rush Machinery, to assist the company with the development of an update to the company’s internal software package, which drives the machines used for production. WDI is also working with SSD Badge, LLC to upgrade of the company’s server while helping out with training costs so that the company can attain ISO certification.
“WDI is an important partner locally, regionally and statewide” said Karen Springmeier, Executive Director, Finger Lakes Workforce Investment Board. “Their investments in people and companies have made an important difference here in the Finger Lakes and we look forward to continuing our partnership.”