Finding and Training Employees in 2017 Just Got Easier

Welcome to 2017! At the start of a new year, many of us make personal resolutions as well as business resolutions. After all, a new year presents an opportunity to take your business to the next level and often that means identifying and hiring the right employees. Sounds easy, but the employers we talk to face big challenges in connecting to a skilled workforce. Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) was established in 2000 specifically to help businesses of all sizes, locate, train and retrain employees to ensure their business is as competitive and successful as it can be.

Often things that sound too good to be true are; but in the case of the WPWDB, the business support services we offer are not only real, they are free. Follow this column throughout 2017 to see exactly how businesses utilized WPWBD services to solve a business hiring or training problem and find out how your business can do the same. But you don’t have to wait to take advantage of the many services offered. You can start today by visiting westchesterputnamonestop.com or by calling 914-995-3910. Our staff has the same goal as you do, to help your business thrive.

EXACTLY HOW CAN WPWDB HELP MY BUSINESS?

The WPWDB, through its Career Centers, helps employers in Westchester and Putnam meet their workforce needs by providing access to qualified candidates, assistance with screening and hiring, and financial support to train workers for their respective positions. That can mean hiring just one new employee with the first six weeks partially paid for during a job try-out period. Or businesses that need to hire several employees can get
job candidates pre-screened and pre-qualified so HR personnel can reduce the time spent interviewing and get employees on board more quickly.

“The idea is to offer businesses in Westchester and Putnam an ongoing resource that will not only help them grow and prosper but will also help train individuals for jobs and keep them in those jobs longer,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “It’s a win-win for residents, businesses and the economy of Westchester.”
Companies that want to retrain current employees to a higher paid position that requires additional skills, can be reimbursed up between 50% and 90% of a new employee’s wage or up to 50% for customized training of a group of workers on a new practice, process and/or skill.

Need help in a particular sector? Consider joining one of the seven business sectors where industry specific trends, best practice information, training funds, and collaboration is available. The sectors include biotech, green, hospitality, healthcare, not for profit, professional, and advanced manufacturing. Businesses are encouraged to create an account and register within a sector to take full advantage of the benefits available.
“We offer a wide platform of services and resources to local businesses that help to create and strengthen their workforce. Most small business would benefit from access to screening of candidates or cash reimbursement for training. The Career Center’s website also allows job seekers, both unemployed and under employed, to post their resumes, search job listings, and submit applications for funding to pursue occupational skills training that will help them to elevate their respective career pathways,” stated OJ Yizar,
Career Center Manager.

Yizar pointed out that the goal of WPWDB is simple: to put people to work by helping businesses connect to and hire the right employees and ensure that Westchester and Putnam have thriving economies. To start using the system, employers should go to westchesterputnamonestop.com to create an employer account and begin posting jobs or searching resumes. Job seekers can also register at the same website. For questions call 914-995-3910.