(ALBANY, NY – Feb. 14, 2020) SUNY Empire State College, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), and New York State Office of General Services (OGS) opened SUNY Empire’s new learning hub at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. SUNY Empire has been a presence along the concourse level for more than a decade, and recently relocated to a more modern, accommodating space in Suite 124.

The learning hub will house the first location of the Empire State Career Connector, a joint workforce development initiative between SUNY Empire and NYSDOL. The recently launched Empire State Career Connector will help prepare workers for the future and address workforce gaps today by aligning training and education needs to meet job demand identified by local workforce boards and the Regional Economic Development Councils. The Empire State Career Connector will house career coaches and staff from the Department of Labor and SUNY Empire who will help identify specific job opportunities for individuals, provide the training and education needed, and then help connect individuals to a job upon completion.

In order to minimize the cost and time spent earning a degree to meet the eligibility requirements for a job, SUNY Empire will evaluate the person’s previous education, training, and life experience to award college credit for those experiences. The Empire Career Connector also will offer a free resume writing tool to individuals in the program.

“New York State has the highest number of private-sector jobs in the state’s history, but the innovation economy is transforming the workforce,” said SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras. “It is critical that we work together to prepare our workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow and this collaboration will do just that. Thank you to Commissioner Reardon for recognizing that the time is now, and for sharing the SUNY Empire vision. A special thanks to Commissioner Destito and everyone at OGS for creating a space that will foster collaboration and innovation. This is the model that will work.”

“As technology changes and our workforce continues to expand, it is critical that we have a properly skilled workforce to meet those needs,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “Partnerships like the Career Connector program will ensure New York’s workforce is trained and ready to not only meet those growing demands, but to excel in the workplace.”  

“I want to applaud the collaboration between SUNY Empire State College and the Department of Labor in creating a new Capital Region learning hub here at the Empire State Plaza,” Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito said. “I am proud of the role OGS is playing to support this partnership that will benefit those looking for employment opportunities and the employers who are searching for qualified candidates.”

SUNY Empire will host a series of free, one-hour workshops at its Albany learning hub in the coming months, focused on personal and professional development. The first will explore SUNY Empire’s prior learning assessment process.

The Empire State Career Connector also will include a special veteran’s program with dedicated SUNY Empire Office of Veteran and Military Education staff that will collaborate with NYSDOL veteran representatives to support military-aligned individuals through program completion. SUNY Empire students in Albany, and throughout New York state, have the option of completing their degrees online, onsite at one of SUNY Empire’s more than 30 locations, or through a combination of both.

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About the New York State Department of Labor

We Are Your DOL, Transforming New York’s World of Work by helping to grow the state’s economy through innovative programs that connect job seekers with careers they love, assist the unemployed, protect all workers, and partner with businesses to help them find and develop the workforce they need to grow and thrive. 

About the Office of General Services 

The Office of General Services (OGS) was established in 1960 to provide essential support services for the operations of state government. Since then, OGS has grown significantly in scope and complexity. Today, we are a diversified organization providing a broad spectrum of services to state agencies, local governments, and the public.

Since its inception, OGS has developed expertise in centralizing critical support and service functions leading to a cost-effective government. OGS facilitates the work of New York state agencies, the legislature and judiciary; and supports local governments, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. The agency provides services through the development and management of efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable programs and activities. Delivery of critical services is performed in partnering with New York state businesses; significant economic opportunities are presented through their participation in state contracts administered by OGS. 

About SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College educates students at any stage of life with a personalized learning experience delivered online, in person, or a blend of both. Since 1971, SUNY Empire has empowered students to earn an accredited degree around the demands of a busy lifestyle to advance their personal and professional goals. With world-class faculty, more than 1,300 dedicated mentors to help students tailor their degree programs, and cutting-edge distance learning technology, SUNY Empire delivers a trusted and flexible online college experience grounded in more than 30 New York state locations and seven international sites where students can learn and collaborate in person. The college’s nearly 50 years as a leader in awarding credit for prior learning and life experience helps students earn a degree faster and at lower cost. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu and follow @SUNYEmpire.