Workforce Recruitment Programs

On the Job Training Program

The On-the-Job Training program is available to North Country businesses looking to offset the cost of training new employees.

Between 2013 and 2022, the Chamber helped dozens of companies train more than 210 employees and reimbursed more than $700,000 in wages to area businesses through this NYS funded program. If you haven’t taken advantage of this program in the past, now is the time! The program is easy to use and Chamber staff will help you every step of the way – completing paperwork, creating training plans, etc.

The benefits of the program include:

• Reimbursement of 50% of the employee’s base wages during the training period
• Assistance creating a training plan for the employee(s)
• Preparation and submission of paperwork required by New York State

The requirements are:

• Employee(s) must be enrolled in the program before their first day of work
• The employee must be full-time (32+ hours per week)
• A training program must be approved by the Chamber before training begins
• Payroll information and proof of payment of wages must be provided

The program is first come, first served so don’t miss out on this opportunity. Call the Chamber today at 518-563-1000 and ask for Joel or email him to learn more and sign-up! 

Welding Training Program

The North Country Chamber of Commerce was recently awarded a $285,600 grant that will allow us, in partnership with Clinton Community College and Lincoln Electric, to develop a comprehensive welding training program that will be offered at no-cost to 50 individuals to prepare them to enter the workforce as welders. 

The training would be supported by Lincoln Electric, a world leader in welding equipment and training. It would consist of both classroom style and hands-on practical training and be 120 hours of instruction per trainee. It would cover the following skills/topics: welding process theory, safety fundamentals, welding symbol/blueprint reading, preventative maintenance, MIG welding (on stainless steel and carbon steel), TIG welding, and Flux Core welding.

Upon completion of this training, trainees would receive a certificate of completion from Clinton Community College and Lincoln Electric, as well as other industry recognized credentials. Trainees would have the skills necessary to start a career in welding at nearly any North Country manufacturer.

More information, including how to register, is forthcoming. If you are interested in this program or want more information, please contact Joel Wood at (518) 563-1000 or email him here.