The Work Readiness Training (WRT) Request for Proposals (RFP) is to provide funding to eligible organizations to conduct work readiness training, the development of skills and behaviors necessary for any job, and the skills employers seek from their employees and job candidates.
Donor Name: NYS Department of Labor
State: New York
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Program
Deadline: 10/25/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 1 Year
Details:
Work readiness skills are transferable skills that can help an individual adapt and perform in different work settings or careers. These skills are often referred to as soft skills or job readiness skills. Common work readiness skills include, but are not limited to, specific social/interpersonal skills such as communication, problem solving, and conflict resolution; independent living skills such as time management, securing or using public transportation, and using appropriate workplace behavior; and other non-technical skills such as financial literacy, job-seeking skills, and understanding employer expectations.
An effective work readiness training contains the key competencies of professional skill development and workplace culture and etiquette, while also including competencies such as career exploration and planning, resume writing, the job application process, interview preparation, financial literacy, digital literacy, networking, mentorship, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability. These competencies are essential in fostering a career path, job retention and success in modern workplaces. Additionally, these skills prepare individuals to enter the workforce, enroll in an occupational skills training program, or attend an institution of higher education.
Funding Information
- Under NYSDOL’s three (3) Workforce Development Training (WDT) programs, a total of $25M in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding is being made available to fund occupational and/or work readiness skills training courses commensurate with regional priorities. Of the total $25M in available funding, $5M is dedicated to the WRT program and the remaining $20M is available for the Employee Retention and Advancement Training (ERAT) and Reemployment Training Grant (RTG) programs on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- WRT awards may not exceed $350,000 per Bidder. Proposals that request more than $350,000 will be reviewed and scored by NYSDOL.
Grant Period
Initial contracts resulting from this solicitation will be awarded for a period of up to one (1) year.
Uses of funds
- The WRT Program is intended to fund work readiness skills training to individuals with barriers to employment. Funded training will create opportunities for employment, self-sufficiency, and economic mobility.
- Funds may be used to enlist the services of a training provider to deliver work readiness skills training to participants. Tuition and other fees may not be charged to the individuals served under this WRT funding opportunity. Participants cannot contribute to the cost of the training(s), which includes a prohibition against the procurement of student loans.
Eligible Bidders
Eligible Bidders for WRT funding include for-profit entities, such as corporations, LLCs, and LLPs; NFP entities; municipalities; and educational institutions, including colleges and universities which:
- Have two (2) or more full-time employees or the equivalent of two (2) full-time employees throughout the duration of the contract. Principals of corporations and owners of businesses such as sole proprietors or partners, are not considered to be employees for this eligibility requirement. Cooperative owner employees who do not serve on the board of directors are considered to be employees for this eligibility requirement. A Bidder is not eligible to apply if it has no employees or if the workers are independent contractors, subcontractors, or contract employees. However, if a Bidder leases its employees for payroll and tax reporting purposes, and has authority over the hiring, firing, and scheduling of workers, it is eligible for funding consideration; and
- Are in good standing with regard to the laws, rules, and regulations for UI, Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), Public Work, Labor Standards, Safety and Health, NYS Department of State Division of Corporations, Workers Compensation Insurance, and Disability Insurance.
Participant Eligibility
Participants must be individuals residing in NYS, who are 16 years of age and older and out of school, and who are seeking work readiness skills to overcome barriers to employment.
For more information, visit NYS Department of Labor.
