S.7899 (Bailey) / A.3343 (Steck)

STAFF CONTACT :

Director of Workforce Development
518-694-4465

BILL

S.7899 (Bailey) / A.3343 (Steck)

SUBJECT

Enacts the “New York State Youth Build Act”

DATE

Support

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The Business Council of New York State, Inc. supports S.7899 (Bailey)/A.3343 (Steck) which would enact the “New York State YouthBuild Act.” Employers across the state are struggling to attract and retain a skilled workforce, but the construction, healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing industries have long been challenged with finding appropriately skilled talent. As such, The Business Council supports new investments and resources for workforce development in New York State, with a priority on programs with proven outcomes that engage industry partners and target youth in historically marginalized communities, such as YouthBuild.

Business Council members across the State have been active YouthBuild partners over the years and have seen the success of the program in providing skills and job opportunities to disadvantaged youth. The business community recognizes these youth need additional resources and wrap-around services in order to successfully complete workforce training programs and supports the YouthBuild model which engages with industry partners for skills training in addition to the social services and support these youth need to be successful.

While these programs have positive outcomes, there are many more people they could reach, which is why The Business Council supports a formal grant structure that would provide YouthBuild with additional funding.

The Business Council supports programs that ensure New York has the qualified workforce needed to further grow our economy. As such, the Business Council supports S.7899 (Bailey)/A.3343 (Steck), which would enact the “New York State YouthBuild Act,” authorize grants to eligible YouthBuild participants, and expand the number of YouthBuild programs in New York State.