NYS Department of Labor resources to prevent unemployment - what programs exist?
My company has been dropping hints about potential layoffs in the manufacturing sector and I'm trying to get ahead of this. I've been with them for 6 years but I know how these things go. Rather than wait until I'm filing for unemployment benefits, I want to know what NYS Department of Labor offers to help people stay employed or transition to new jobs before they lose their current one. Are there retraining programs or job placement services I can access while I'm still working? I'd rather be proactive than reactive here.
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Dylan Wright
Smart thinking! NYS Department of Labor has several workforce development programs through their One-Stop Career Centers. You can access career counseling, skills assessments, and training opportunities even while employed. Look into WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) programs - they offer occupational training for in-demand fields. Also check if your employer qualifies for shared work programs that could prevent layoffs entirely.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•Thank you! I didn't know about shared work programs. Would that be something my employer would have to initiate or can employees suggest it?
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Sofia Torres
Been through this exact situation 2 years ago in the automotive industry. NYS Department of Labor's Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) might apply if your job losses are related to foreign competition. It covers training costs and extends unemployment benefits while you retrain. Also, start networking NOW through NYS job fairs and industry associations. Don't wait for the pink slip.
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GalacticGuardian
•How do you find out if your industry qualifies for TAA? My company makes parts that compete with overseas manufacturers.
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Dmitry Smirnov
this is making me nervous because my job has been shaky too. what if the training programs have waiting lists or take too long to start? should i just start applying to other jobs now instead of hoping for retraining?
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Dylan Wright
•Do both! Start job searching while also exploring training options. Many NYS Department of Labor programs have evening or weekend schedules specifically for currently employed workers.
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Ava Rodriguez
I was in a similar spot last year when I heard rumors about downsizing. Couldn't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor for weeks - their phone system is terrible. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual counselor who explained all the prevention programs available. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Made all the difference in getting connected to the right resources before I actually needed unemployment.
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Miguel Diaz
•Never heard of that service but I might need it. The 1-800 numbers for NYS Department of Labor are impossible to get through on.
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GalacticGuardian
Update your resume and LinkedIn profile immediately. Also document any specialized skills or certifications you have - this will help with both job applications and qualifying for training programs. NYS Department of Labor's skills assessment can identify transferable skills you might not realize you have.
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Zainab Ahmed
The system is rigged anyway. These retraining programs just shuffle people between low-paying jobs while companies get tax breaks for moving operations overseas. But I guess it's better than nothing if you're facing layoffs.
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Sofia Torres
•I get the frustration but some of these programs actually do lead to decent paying jobs. The key is picking training in fields that are actually growing in New York.
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