Welcome to Capital Region Workforce Board, serving Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady Counties.
“creating pathways to better careers and economic growth”
Capital Region Workforce Development Board
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creating pathways to better careers and economic growth
Outstanding work by Jason Benitez and the whole Capital Region Chamber presenting the 2024 DEI Summit. Focusing on the diverse skills that people bring to a workforce make stronger businesses, stronger humans, and stronger communities.
We are delighted to announce that the Capital Region Workforce Development Board has named Tim Drawbridge as the new Assistant Director for Business Workforce Development Services.![]()
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“I am very excited to join the Capital Region Workforce Development Board as Assistant Director for Business Services, supporting our regional employers in their talent attraction, employment retention, and training needs,” said Drawbridge. “As I have said over the years, it’s all about rapports and relationships, and in workforce development, building partnerships and collaborations is at the center. When everyone works together, the ship not only can sail smoothly, but it can sail farther.”![]()
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In his previous positions, Drawbridge brings an extensive history of developing public relations campaigns and assisting community organizations in developing messaging that builds further engagement, along with serving as a well-known on-air meteorologist/multi-media journalist and play-by-play broadcaster for local sporting events.![]()
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“The multitude and variety of careers available at the amazing businesses here in the Capital Region is greater than ever before and our mission is to make sure that all businesses are able to connect with skilled talent, provide access to training opportunities, and help navigate workforce opportunities,” said Brian Williams, Executive Director of the Capital Region Workforce Development Board. “The strong relationship-building, communication connecting, and strategic business development skills Tim brings, will ensure that our regional employers will have the tools to continue to grow and prosper.” ![]()
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“We are thrilled to have Tim join our team at the Capital Region Workforce Development Board,” states Jim Hurley, President of Home Instead Senior Care of Albany and Schenectady and Workforce Board Chair. “Businesses are the center of the workforce development system, and in this role, Tim will continue to build on our support of area employers
Congratulations to the new Schenectady recruits who today made their official commitment into the Police Officer Apprenticeship program through New York State Department of Labor & SUNY Schenectady County Community College. The hard work of our Capital Region Workforce Development Board Member Sarah Wilson-Sparrow and her team as well as the New York State Department of Labor apprenticeship team is providing a pipeline of future officers through a tried and true earn and learn model.
Whether you represent a local business or are a job seeker in search of employment or a new career, you are invited to put the Capital Region Workforce Development Board to work for you. Everything you need to find – to train and retain employees, or to land the job you want – is right here. Most of the services we provide are at no cost to you, and our top-notch professional staff is ready to help. Learn more about the resources, services and programs that the Capital Region Workforce Development Board has to offer.
– Brian J. Williams, Executive Director
The services we provide at our 3 centers.
BUSINESS SERVICES
We can assist your Human Resources Team with finding grants to train workers, strengthen your workforce, access labor market information, network with other businesses, create a custom staffing solution or speak with our business representative and post your job openings.
JOB-SEEKER SERVICES
The Career Centers of Capital Region provide a variety of services that will help you find a job. Use our phone, fax, copier and computers for your job search. Meet with a Career Counselor or learn more about how you can enhance your skills. Check out our hot jobs!
YOUTH SERVICES
If you are a youth between the ages of 16 – 24 and would like information or job training and placement opportunities, we can help! Are you earning your high school equivalency diploma? trying to obtain work experience opportunities? Come in to our career centers to get the help you need to succeed.
VETERAN SERVICES
We Offer Priority of Service to Veterans.
A covered person under the Final Rule is a veteran or an eligible spouse of a veteran. Priority of service means that a “covered person” shall be given priority over a “non‐covered” person for the receipt of employment, training and placement services.
Success stories.
As a single parent, Desiree worked various low paying jobs from retail to daycare to support herself and her two daughters. It was with the help and encouragement of an Employment Specialist at the City of Albany, Department of Youth and Workforce Services and through the services offered through the One- STOP Center, that she discovered that she had a passion for Nursing. During her sessions with the team at the Department of Youth and Workforce Services, she developed a comprehensive career plan that included training providers, financial cost & tuition assistance programs, and clear short term goals. Fast forward, Desiree secured a position at an area nursing home, while training as a certified nursing assistant. Obtained her C.N. A. license and worked very hard to support her two daughters through college. This year, Desiree enrolled in LPN Classes at BOCES after attending the Financial Aid for Training Workshop. Desiree was eligible to use federal funding through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act to offset tuition cost. Desiree enrolled and attended the Licensed Practical Nursing Program (BOCES) and graduated in June 2020. She is currently working as an LPN and hopes to continue her education in pursuing her Bachelor of Nursing RN degree.
Albany
Single mother funded at the Albany Can Code program who was unemployed and on social services for several years and had an interest in computers. She was connected to the program by Career Center WorkForce advisors who saw potential. Customer successfully graduated from the program and has been gainfully employed since with exceptional earnings. This allowed her to move out of public housing and provide a self-sufficient life for her and her family.
Rensselaer
Through our Summer Youth Employment Program we served a young man in a computer program where students learned the basics of refurbishing and repairing old computer systems. At the end of the program, successful students were able to keep their computers to use them for educational needs. One of our students successfully completed the program, went on to graduate from high school and pursued Computer technology. He now works as a computer technician for the Schenectady City School District.
Schenectady
About the Area.
Our service area consists of Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties, covering the majority of the heart of the Capital Region. The Capital Region has emerged in recent years as an anchor of Tech Valley, the moniker describing our technologically-focused region of Upstate New York. Here’s why:
Higher education institutions, including world-renowned research universities and nationally ranked schools
Albany’s rank in U.S. News’ “10 Best Places to Find a Job in Technology”
Albany’s rank on ZipRecruiter’s list of the country’s fastest-growing tech job markets
