Several local businesses are on the list of companies, community colleges and community-based organizations getting New York State funding for workforce development. 

ColorBlind Images, Getty Images
ColorBlind Images, Getty Images
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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says BAE Systems and Dicks Sporting Goods Distribution Center are among 61 entities sharing $3.4 million dollars to help train New Yorkers in the skills they need to fill jobs employers have been having trouble finding qualified workers for.

Companies in the Southern Tier on the grant list also include George Industries on South Page Avenue in Endicott that makes aerospace, defense and industrial components, Buckingham Manufacturing in Kirkwood which makes safety and climbing equipment for use by utility companies, tree services and others, Coffee Mania in Cortland, Intertek testing in Cortland that provides testing and certification of products and Stork A&E Turbo Blading in Ithaca that makes blades for steam and gas turbines.

The projects are paired with community colleges like SUNY Broome, Corning, Tompkins-Cortland Community College and others.

WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
WNBF News/Roger Neel Photo
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Companies have complained for years of a skills-gap when trying to fill jobs.

The program is being administered through the Workforce Development Initiative. A release from the Governor’s office says New York’s Regional Economic Development Councils play a key role in recommending applications for funding based on regional needs.

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