How can we reduce unemployment in NY - what programs actually work?
I've been thinking a lot about this after my own struggle with unemployment this past year. Spent 8 months on benefits and finally landed something through a temp agency, but it got me wondering - what actually helps people get back to work faster? I went through all the NYS Department of Labor job search requirements, attended their workshops, used the job board on labor.ny.gov, but honestly most of it felt like busy work. The thing that helped me most was networking through a friend. Are there better programs out there that actually reduce unemployment rates? What's worked for others here?
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Natasha Kuznetsova
The NYS Department of Labor has several workforce development programs that show real results. The WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding provides job training in high-demand fields like healthcare and manufacturing. Also, the apprenticeship programs have an 87% job placement rate. The key is matching people to industries that are actually hiring, not just generic job search assistance.
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FireflyDreams
•I never heard about these apprenticeship programs during my claim period. Do you know how to find them? My weekly claim process never mentioned anything beyond the basic job search log requirements.
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Javier Morales
From my experience, the biggest barrier is actually getting through to NYS Department of Labor representatives when you need help with specialized programs. I spent weeks trying to get info about retraining benefits while my claim was in adjudication. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent who explained the Trade Adjustment Assistance program I qualified for. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI showing how it works. Sometimes you need that human connection to access the programs that actually reduce unemployment.
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Emma Anderson
•never heard of claimyr but anything that helps you actually talk to someone at NYS Department of Labor sounds worth it
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Malik Thompson
Honestly the whole system is backwards! They make you jump through hoops with job search requirements but don't connect you to employers who are actually hiring. I did my three job contacts per week for MONTHS and 90% were dead ends. Meanwhile there's a labor shortage in trades but no one tells you how to get into those fields when you're on UI benefits.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•That's exactly why the sector-based training programs work better. Instead of generic job searching, they focus on specific industries with verified job openings. The problem is most people don't know these programs exist until after they've exhausted regular benefits.
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Isabella Ferreira
I think the biggest issue is timing. By the time someone files for unemployment, they're already stressed about money and just want any job. But the programs that actually reduce long-term unemployment require time investment upfront - like 6 months of training. It's hard to think long-term when you're worried about next month's rent.
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FireflyDreams
•This is so true. I turned down a low-paying job early in my unemployment because I thought something better would come along quickly. Ended up being unemployed longer than if I'd taken it and kept looking.
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CosmicVoyager
what about just creating more jobs instead of training people for jobs that dont exist?? seems like we're putting the cart before the horse here
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Javier Morales
•Job creation is more of a policy/economic issue, but you're right that training without actual job openings is pointless. That's why I mentioned the apprenticeships - those are tied to employers who commit to hiring.
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