NY: Office of Strategic Workforce Development
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Office of Strategic Workforce Development | Empire State Development Skip to main content --> Office of Strategic Workforce Development Fostering industry-driven training of in-demand skills and direct job placement In April 2022 , Governor Kathy Hochul announced an investment of $350 million for workforce development, including the creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) within Empire State Development (ESD). This new division is charged with better aligning workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers. This investment represents a decisive shift toward a state workforce development strategy that is laser-focused on connecting New Yorkers to quality, in-demand jobs in the state’s fastest-growing industries. Funding supports a $150 million workforce development grant program, administered by OSWD, that will support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs. Investments are focused on statewide priority industry sectors. Through OSWD, ESD is helping to create new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while simultaneously meeting the labor needs of the state’s highest-growth industry sectors. Statewide Priority Industries Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Biotech and Life Sciences Cleantech and Renewable Energy Construction Electronics and Optics, Photonics, and Imaging (OPI) Film and TV Production and Post-Production Software and Digital Media Since formally launching in 2022 , OSWD has hit the ground running and has begun to lay the foundation for the State’s new approach to workforce development, with combined awards totaling $68 million to 77 workforce development projects across the state which will train more than 14,000 New Yorkers. July 2025 – Round 8 Awards Announced, Grant Applications Re-Opened February 2025 – Third Annual Report Released December 2024 – Round 7 Awards Announced May 2024 – Rounds 5 & 6 Awards Announced February 2024 – Second Annual Report Released November 2023 – Round 4 Awards Announced June 2023 – Round 3 Awards Announced April 2023 – First Progress Report Released March 2023 – Round 2 Awards Announced December 2022 – Round 1 Awards Announced The success of the Governor’s historic investment and of this Office depends on partnership and collaboration from numerous parties – employers and industries, workers and unions, workforce development providers and advocates, academic and philanthropic institutions, regional partners, and government agencies. OSWD is committed to partnering with all stakeholders to advance its mission and have a transformative impact on New York State’s workforce ecosystem. Click here to view the OSWD one-pager OSWD Workforce Development Grant Programs OSWD manages two grant programs focused on creating and expanding industry-driven training that provides in-demand skills and direct job placements in specifically priority economic sectors tha