New York State Assembly - Catalog of Work Force Preparation Programs

The 1998 Catalog of Workforce Preparation Programs contains information on 67 State- and federally-funded programs, representing an investment in the workforce of over $1 billion. These programs provide education and training activities and services to employed and unemployed adults and youth.

There are approximately 8,800,000 million people in New York's labor force, individuals who are unemployed and looking for work as well as those who are employed.(1) The composition of the labor force also continues to change, reflecting the socio-demographic shift in the State's population. When comparing Current Population Survey data from 1990 and 1997, women account for a greater percentage of the labor force--up from 43.9% to nearly 47%--although the rate of growth has slowed from the 1980s. While the majority of the workers, 53%, are between the ages of 25 and 44, the fastest growing sector includes those aged 40 to 64. Black, Hispanic and Asian workers make up a larger share of the workforce than previously and they continue to enter the labor force at a higher rate than others groups.

There are changes in the workplace environment as well. Technological transformation and the global economy have altered workers' lives. Overall, the need for advanced levels of education and training is expected to greatly increase. Today's workers, whether entry-level or experienced, must engage in a continuing process of developing their skills and abilities to perform effectively in changing work environments. Workers must be increasingly informed about available and emerging employment and training options in order to make decisions that will ensure their continued participation in the labor force. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1996 and 2006, jobs requiring post-secondary education and training will grow faster than jobs with lesser education and training requirements. Growth in occupations requiring a bachelor's degree or more will almost double that expected for other occupations. Also, the projected increase in demand for technicians has left employers seeking workers with associates degrees.(2)

The fastest growing occupations in New York, through 2005, will be in the health and computer related fields.(3) The number of new jobs for computer engineers, computer scientists, systems analysts/electric data processors, computer support specialists and database administrators will just about double in the next decade. In addition, there are projected increases in demand between 1992 and 2005 of 19 percent for engineering technicians, 25 percent for science technicians, and 30 percent for computer programmers.(4) Although the fastest-growing professions are not where the largest number of newly created jobs will be, most new jobs will require some facility with technology. The use of computers is commonplace in almost all work environments, and manufacturing, retail and health care positions are being transformed by technology.

There is another significant public issue in workforce development. In 1998, the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law. The Act restructures workforce development programs into an integrated workforce investment system to respond to the needs of current workers, unemployed workers, workers laid-off due to restructuring or downsizing, and new entrants to the labor force. The State must be in compliance with WIA by July 1, 2000 when the federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) expires. Key principles of the new system include universal access for all job seekers, a one-stop service delivery system, and training services that will be provided through vouchers.

If you wish to obtain more information on any one of the entries in the Catalog, a contact person has been identified for each program. If you have any questions or would like additional information about the Catalog, please call the Commission at (518) 455-4865.