NYC Workforce Weekly: Member Spotlight - Talk Hiring: 2020 Opportunity Awards Nominations Due March 20: NYCETC Annual Member Meeting + more!

NYCETC's new Member Spotlight series in the NYC Workforce Weekly will introduce our readers to the wide variety of workforce programs and services that our members offer across the five boroughs. We are kicking this off by highlighting new members that have joined the Coalition in the last year. This week we focus on Talk Hiring.

At its core, Talk Hiring - an automated mock interviewing tool for workforce development programs - aims to enable people starting, changing or restarting careers to use their voice to land their dream job by helping workforce development programs grow their capacity and impact. It can offer programs’ job seekers unlimited interview practice that is remote, self-directed, across different industries, and convenient. After every mock interview, users get an email with their recordings and completely automated feedback on how to improve. The report includes feedback on rambling/conciseness, pace, volume, duration, filler words, and pauses, and whether their answer is lacking supporting examples. Workforce development practitioners can access a custom dashboard to track how participants use Talk Hiring and listen to completed mock interviews, as well as receive reports that help them quantify and track how Talk Hiring is improving interview responses to support a client’s interview skills development.

Talk Hiring is the brainchild of Founder and CEO Harris Osserman who, as a thriving software engineer, found himself feeling increasingly guilty as much of the tech industry was writing code to automate the jobs of others. After volunteering with a Brooklyn-based workforce development program in the winter of 2018, Harris blended his engineering skills with his newfound workforce knowledge to fill a technical gap he saw within the system. “Many participants of job training programs have limited or no access to computers with an internet connection. Some were skeptical about tools to download or create passwords for. Everyone was comfortable talking on the phone and texting,” said Harris Osserman. “I thought that if there was an extremely simple, low-tech product that had industry-relevant interview questions, the workforce development industry would be interested.”

In just two years, Talk Hiring has worked helped a wide variety of workforce partner programs - including Green City Force, The Marcy Lab School, Hopeworks, StepUp Durham and the Middlesex County One-Stop Center - to support their clients’ interview prep. The mock interviewing tool is developed specifically for workforce development programs and not for employers. Last year alone, the organization and its partners conducted mock interviews with 716 different people looking to improve their interviewing skills.

Talk Hiring is interested in partnering with workforce service providers who could benefit from offering such a tool to their clients. For ideas on how your organization can benefit from this tool, learn about the different ways workforce organizations such Braven, Dress for Success and KindWork have integrated Talk Hiring into their programming and the high improvement rates they’ve seen among their clients. To get a feel for a product (or to practice your own interviewing skills), check out the demo at talkhiring.com/demo. If you are interested in learning more or trialing Talk Hiring with your workforce program, email Harris at harris@talkhiring.com.

NYCETC members - we are excited to announce that nominations are open for the 2020 Opportunity Awards. The final day to submit nominations is Friday, March 20.

We encourage all of our members to consider making one or more nominations. The categories include Program Participant Awards, Employer Awards, Staff Awards (for both frontline and supervisory staff), and Program Awards (for both Innovation and for Serving Special Populations). Organizations can submit multiple nominations for their own programs, staff, participants and employer partners, as well as nominate others.

The winners of the 2020 Opportunity Awards will be celebrated at our Opportunity Awards Gala on April 30th, 2020. Information about sponsorships and tickets will be shared in the coming weeks.

Visit the Opportunity Awards website for links to nomination forms and event info, including the Nomination Packet. Save the Date for this year's Awards on April 30th, and good luck to your nominees!

On Monday, NYCETC hosted its annual member meeting, bringing together over 100 leaders from City agencies, members and partners to share current and upcoming initiatives across the workforce system, and connect on issues critical to our member organizations and the New Yorkers they serve each day.

The morning featured micro-presentations and a Q&A panel with Amy Peterson (Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development); Gary Jenkins (NYC Human Resources Administration); Daphne Montanez and Megan Keenan-Berryman (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development); Lindsay Greene (NYC Economic Development Corporation); and Jackie Mallon (NYC Department of Small Business Services). Discussions included HRA’s efforts to shift Career Services away from the rapid attachment model to building individual skills, credentials and careers through partnerships; EDC’s new vision for incorporating workforce development as a critical component of its economic development efforts; and DYCD’s roll out of its new Advance and Earn program.

City Leadership Panel (left to right): Amy Peterson (Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development); Gary Jenkins (HRA); Jackie Mallon (SBS), Lindsay Greene (EDC), Daphne Montanez and Megan Keenan-Berryman (DYCD).

The morning also featured a panel of some of NYCETC's Board Policy and Advocacy Committee Members - David Garza (Henry Street Settlement); Gregory Morris (Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center); Liliana Polo-McKenna (Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow) and Christopher Watler (Center for Employment Opportunities) - discussing the Coalition’s advocacy work for bridge programs into training programs, and the need for intertwined workforce and economic development systems that incorporate planning, investment & community input through an inclusive growth framework and empower local workers to tap into new opportunities instead of displace them. Members discussed and gave recommendations in small group sessions on the Coalition’s main areas of policy concern - budgetary support, economic development, and system structure and oversight.

The annual meeting was closed out with a keynote address from Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “We know that the number one reason companies come here is because of our talent base,” said Deputy Mayor Been. “This means that for us to have inclusive growth, we need to broaden and deepen our local talent so that they can access that job growth, especially in high wage growth sectors like cyber security and media.”

Following the annual meeting, NYCETC co-hosted a convening with LinkedIn and 20 NYCETC members to launch and brainstorm the development of the NYC Talent Map. LinkedIn’s Jake Hirsch-Allen and Julie Palmer led a discussion on the NYC Talent Map, an project that will map the landscape of the job training and higher educational infrastructure that currently exists in New York City, in order to 1. increase the likelihood of aligning these programs with the evolving workforce needs of industries that project expansion, ultimately leading to higher placement rates and retention for program graduates, and 2. elevate training programs and their credentials on LinkedIn so that they're more recognized by employers.

If you are interested in becoming more involved with the Coalition’s work, joining as a member, or offering feedback and ideas, please contact Annie Garneva at agarneva@nycetc.org.

Mobility Releases Request for Proposals to Support Programs with Program Assessments

Ever wondered if your program would succeed in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluation, but didn’t know where to start? Mobility is offering to conduct formal program assessments for up to five organizations through analysis of program data, site visits and staff interviews. Mobility will provide organizations with an understanding of whether they are in a good position to show impact along with specific recommendations about steps they can take to strengthen their programs to improve their chances. Mobility will match each organization’s contribution with $10,000 of its own resources.

Mobility has conducted RCT evaluations of Per Scholas, Year Up, Project QUEST, Wisconsin Regional Training Partnerships and JVS Boston, each of which has demonstrated large earnings impacts for participants. Mobility is currently conducting RCTs of Per Scholas’ replication programs, Capital IDEA, JVS Boston’s Pay for Success initiative, and a replication of the CUNY ASAP program in West Virginia.

NYCETC invites our members to participate in our 2020 cycle of Strategy Roundtables. In 2019, NYCETC conducted a wide range of sector-focused and community-focused discussions. Building off of 2019, this year we're focusing in on the challenges of offering successful workforce development programs for communities with various barriers to employment.

As such, we're announcing our first four community roundtables, and the dates we anticipate for each month's session from now until our Conference in September:

Registration and details for each roundtable will be included in the newsletter 2-3 weeks prior to the event. To check if your organization is a member or to join as a member, see NYCETC's membership page or contact Annie Garneva at agarneva@nycetc.org

LinkedIn Webinars for Workforce Professionals
LinkedIn 101: The What's, Why's, and How's of Using LinkedIn / Info and RSVP
LinkedIn 201: Helping Clients Stand Out to Recruiters on LinkedIn / Info and RSVP
LinkedIn 202: Using LinkedIn for Business Outreach / Info and RSVP
LinkedIn Myth Busters: A Guide to LinkedIn's Usefulness in Workforce Development / Info and RSVP

Grounded Program Design: Incorporating Anti-Oppression Approaches to Social Justice
April 22 / Info and Tickets

Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center College Fair
Thursday, March 19 / 12:30 - 4 pm / Info and RSVP

Nontraditional Employment for Women
Next Preapprentice training: April 13. To register please call (212) 627-6252. Requirements include: eligible to work in the US; HS Diploma or GED; interested in hands-on training to join a career path in the construction field. Info and RSVP

BMCC A+/CCNA certification
CUNY TechWorks and The Borough of Manhattan Community College Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, are now offering a 22-week free computer training program in Computer Network Support, for qualified participants. Cohort begins April 20. Interested parties must attend an information session for America’s Promise IT Training Program. RSVP and Info

NMIC: YouthBuild: Business Bootcamp
YouthBuild: Business Bootcamp is a 5-month program for young adults (17-24) that provides high school equivalency (HSE) instruction, as well as training in the areas of small business ownership, digital literacy, customer service, Microsoft Office and employment readiness. Classes bow in session but NMIC still accepting applications. Info and RSVP

LaGuardia Community College: Bilingual Medical Assistant Training for English Language Learners
Currently recruiting for March - December cohort. Info and registration

Grace Institute of New York
Administrative Professional Program: April 20 - July 10, 2020
Patient Service Representative Program: April 20 - June 11, 2020
Info and registration

Made in NY Podcast Certificate Program
Currently recruiting for Spring 2020 cohort: March 17 – May 14. Info and application

Cooper Union + CAMBA: Immigrant Engineering Retraining Program
Info and registration for Spring 2020

NYC College of Technology/CUNY: Free Healthcare Training For English Language Learners
This program provides high intermediate / advanced level English language learners with the knowledge, practical skills, certifications, and English language skills required to be competent Direct Support Professionals. DSPs work in agencies that provide services to children and adults with developmental disabilities. Info and registration

StreetWise Partners
Recruiting for the 13 week mentorship program - participants receive individualized support from 1 or 2 mentors while learning about career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, networking, LinkedIn, and workplace culture; access to a network of thousands of volunteer professionals, mentees, and alumni graduates; ongoing professional development opportunities and job updates. Program starts week of March 31. RSVP for info sessions

SUNY Bronx EOC Certified Nursing Assistant Program
Starts February 3 - Info and registration

KindWork x BWI: Customer Experience & Support Bootcamp
6-week, F/T, in-person training program for young adults (ages 21-26) seeking an entry point to the tech sector. Students will learn the skills needed to work as a Customer Experience or Customer Support Specialist at a tech-enabled company. Bootcamp graduates will be provided with job placement support and one year of career coaching. Accepting applications for the next cohort beginning on February 18. More info here.

STRIVE
All of programs help lay the foundation to not just get a job, but build a career: STRIVE Career Path, STRIVE Fatherhood, and STRIVE Focus. See all program info here.

ICD: Employment and Training for People with Disabilities
(ICD) provides training and job placement services to individuals who may have physical disabilities, mental health or substance use challenges, autism, and learning disabilities to help reach their employment goals. ICD’s vocational training programs include: CISCO IT Academy, Building Repair Technician, Pet Care and Veterinarian Assistant, Child Care, Human Services Assistant, Office Technology and Custodial. Applicants should be registered with ACCES-VR at the time of enrollment. Contact 212-585-6072 or visit the website to learn more.

Year Up
Year Up's innovation team is testing new programs, including a coaching service to support job search/retention and career success, for young adults (18-26) without 4-year degrees. If you're a young adult or training provider/employer interested in learning more, register here or email lmoore@yearup.org.

Brooklyn Workforce Innovations
Brooklyn Networks is a free data cable training program seeking motivated, reliable individuals who are interested in technology and working with their hands. Graduates are BICSI and OSHA 30 certified, and receive top-quality Job Readiness Training so they can get hired quickly into fulfilling, well-paid careers. Learn more here and apply at an Info Session every Tuesday 10:00am - 1:00pm at 621 Degraw St in Brooklyn. The next training begins in February 2020.

Manhattan Educational Opportunity Center (MEOC)
Free Career Training programs include Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Training, Electronic Health Records, EKG Technician Training, Security Officer Training, OSHA 30-Hour for Construction and Hospitality. To begin the enrollment process, all prospective students must be prepared to present the MEOC required documents. For more information about MEOC programs, visit website or email at admissions@man.eoc.cuny.edu.

Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corp: Connecting Youth & Creating Leaders
Info sessions for Programs and Services for ages 8 to 24

BMCC TechWorks: IT Computer Network Training A+/CCNA
Recruiting for April 13 - Oct 9, 2020. Info here

Hostos Community College Cisco CCNA
CCNA Security provides an introduction to the core security concepts and skills needed for the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices. The program also prepares you to take the Cisco CCNA Security Certification exam. Info and RSVP for Info Session

Families Forward
Families Forward, a workforce development program jointly managed by the CUNY School of Professional Studies and the New York City Human Resource Administration’s Office of Child Support Services (OCSS) is actively recruiting participants who owe child support for its job training programs. Families Forward is part of a study that includes occupational skills training in several industries: cable installation, construction, cybersecurity, hospitality, IT Support, transportation, and woodworking. Info and apply

Project Renewal’s Culinary Arts Training Program
Offers 6 months of classroom and internship training in the food service industry. Students will get to experience working in a fully functioning kitchen and learn the basic techniques of Culinary Arts from experienced chefs. Students will also be able to obtain their food handlers certificate and work with an employment coordinator until successful job placement. Non-TANF SNAP recipients are strongly encouraged to apply. Info session RSVP

LaGuardia Community College - recruiting for Spring semester starting in March
TechHire – Open Code
Adult Basic Skills
Bridge to College & Careers Program

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow
Bridge to Craft Careers program w/Green-Wood Cemetery: Spring 2020 Masonry Technician Training. Info and registration here

Bridges from School to Work
Bridges helps 17-24 year-olds with disabilities find competitive, integrated employment in entry-level positions. Info

The Door - Work Readiness Customer Service Program
Paid Customer & Food Service Training, Internship and Job Placement for youth ages 16-24. Info

MMCC - Train & Earn Culinary Program
3-week training course utilizing a state of the art facility leading to New York State Food Handlers Certification. Job placement assistance upon program completion. Advanced training options in healthcare and technology. Orientation Fridays at 10 am. Info

CUNY TechWorks & BMCC Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development
Computer Network Support training program: info + registration

Youth Action YouthBuild East Harlem
Youth Action's YouthBuild program is now recruiting its 2020 cohort. 9 month training and education program for young adults between 17-24 years. Training includes HSE instruction, Construction Skills, Building Operators and Food Careers training and related professional certifications. Earn an AmeriCorps Education scholarship become a community leader. Info

Upwardly Global supports Immigrant and Refugee New Yorkers with the U.S. professional job search process through a free online Job Search Training Program, customized job coaching, invitations to network and practice interviewing with our employer partners, and more. Info