Challenge Workforce Solutions
Challenge Industries & Career Resources offer a broad range of services for individuals experiencing employment obstacles such as disability, transportation, childcare, low economic/educational levels and individuals moving from welfare to work.
Job seekers can access employment support and gain assistance with any or all of the following: vocational counseling, case management, resume/interview assistance, travel training, job coaching or on-the-job instruction, long term employment supports, social security benefits advisement, computer and office skill training, networking and job seeking skills training, and volunteer opportunities.
Contact: (607) 272-8990
On the web: www.aboutchallenge.org
New York State Department of Labor
The Department of Labor (DOL) is New York State’s primary agent for job creation, job listing, job placement and economic growth through the Workforce Development system. Other regional DOL services include: employer counseling services; unemployment benefits via the automated Telephone Claim Centers; and enforcement and consultation of safety and health regulations for public employees.
Contact: (607) 272-7570
On the web: https://dol.ny.gov/
Access - VR (Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation)
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services - Vocational Rehabilitation provides services to prepare eligible individuals for employment in a variety of careers, from entry-level to professional positions. VESID can offer tax incentives and wage reimbursement programs to employers who hire our qualified job seekers. NYS VESID can also provide information regarding special programs for individuals with disabilities seeking civil service employment.
Contact: (607) 734-5294 (TTY 734-4676) or 1-800-888-5020
On the web: http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/
Tompkins Community Action
As the designated Community Action Agency for Tompkins County, Tompkins Community Action administers a variety of programs to benefit low-income families. These programs include Head Start, Primary School Family Support Program, Housing Choice Voucher Program, Supportive and Transitional Housing, Family Self-Sufficiency/Home Ownership Option Program, and Energy Services (Weatherization and Home Energy Assistance (HEAP) Programs). TCAction, as a multi-purpose anti-poverty agency, tailors its programs to meet the needs of a changing community.
On the web: www.tcaction.org
Office for the Aging Employment Programs
The Title V or SCSEP (Senior Community Service Employment Program) is an employment and training program for individuals age 55 or older with incomes below 125% of poverty. The program assists individuals who cannot get a job on their own. It provides participants with a community placement where they make minimum wage for 20 hours a week while they gain the skills to obtain unsubsidized employment.
Contact: (607) 274-5482
On the web: www.tompkinscountyny.gov/cofa
Women’s Opportunity Center
The Women’s Opportunity Center assists displaced homemakers in all facets of their job search. Their goal is to help displaced homemakers become self-sufficient.
Contact: (607) 272-1520
On the web: www.womensopportunity.org
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) is a two-year community college of the State University of New York, offering 39 degree-granting programs, including nursing, business administration, criminal justice, hotel and restaurant management communications, and more.
TC3.biz is the workforce development arm of TC3, offering customized training with the mission to put the expertise of its professional facilitators to work for area businesses, industries, government, and not-for-profit agencies. TC3.biz programs are ideal for individuals or businesses looking to develop or upgrade skills to remain competitive in the ever-changing workplace. A wide range of workshops are offered, including leadership development, Microsoft Office-based computer skills, web development, graphic design, ServSafe food safety training, health and education, communication skills, digital photography, database management, security guard training, and more.
Contact TC3 at 607.844.8211, or TC3 Biz at 607.844.6586.
On the web: www.TC3.edu and https://www.tompkinscortland.edu/academics/biz
T-S-T BOCES
Services provided primarily for adults include: GED High School Equivalency for ages 18 and over, (607) 273-8804, GED Home Study GRASP for ages 21 and over, English as a Second Language (607) 273-4095, Incarcerated Education Program (607) 257-1561.
At the Career and Tech Center, academics and Career and Technical curricula are integrated, providing a total education for High School students. Student can receive credits in math, science and Physical Education while completing a NY state approved career and technical program. Programs are available in: Computer Technology, Electrical Trades, Criminal Justice, Certified Nursing Assistant/Home Health Care, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Occupations, Cosmetology, Heavy Equipment/Conservation, Auto Technology, Auto Body Technology, Visual Communications, Carpentry and Welding.
Students needing to develop skills necessary to be successful in a career and technical program may start their education at the Career and Tech center in a World of Work program. The World of Work allows students to develop work place skills while studying a life skills curriculum. The goal of the WOW program is to prepare students for either entry in a Career and Tech class or completion of high school with readiness for the workforce.
Contact: (607) 273-8804 Adult Learning Center
(607) 257-1551 Career and Tech Center
On the web: www.tstboces.org
DSS Employment Programs
The Tompkins County Department of Social Services Employment Unit was created to meet the Welfare-To-Work program requirements of applicable Federal and State laws and regulations. It is designed to address the needs of temporary assistance and food stamp recipients by providing access to employment referrals, educational activities, and supportive services to prepare these individuals to compete in the labor market.
Contact: (607) 272-5348 or (607) 272-5201
On the web: www.tompkinscountyny.gov/dss/
