Achieving Optimal Performance:

1

• Achieving Optimal Performance
• NYCs Workforce Development Turnaround
• Commissioner Robert W. Walsh
• November 15, 2007

2
Merging Workforce Development Economic
Development

• In July of 2003, Mayor Bloomberg eliminated the
  Department of Employment and consolidated the
  Citys adult workforce programs with the
  Department of Small Business Services. This
  created the potential to
• Link workforce development programs and services
  with economic development activity
• Connect individual workers to jobs with growing
  businesses
• Investing in a workforce that meets
• business needs

3
Workforce System in 2003
One-Stop Locations

• Prior to the merger, there were three career
  centers serving all five boroughs
• The Centers were placing 127 people in jobs per
  quarter
• The City was partnering with one contractor to
  provide its services Emphasis was on compliance
  rather than placing New Yorkers in jobs
• The City didnt offer a business proposition to
  employers

Bronx
Upper Manhattan
Queens
4
The SBS Strategy
5
Creating Value for Businesses
The agency developed products that businesses
value.
Hiring Assistance
Training Funds

• A Business Solutions Hiring Sales Force was
  created to
• Build relationships and credibility with
  businesses
• Provide them with services that save time and
  money
• Pre-Screening
• Recruitment
• Interview Space
• Training

• NYC Business Solutions Training provides
  employers with funds and support to develop the
  skills of their workforce and make their
  businesses more profitable and productive.
• SBS provides one-on-one technical assistance to
  develop programs that make sense for businesses
• Business are required to match any training
  award by at least 30
• Awards made in healthcare, retail,
  manufacturing, hospitality
• 3.4 million has already been awarded
• Nearly 2,200 workers have been or are currently
  being trained

6
Success Stories

• In the first six months of 2007, NYC Business
  Solutions helped 26 large-scale, citywide
  companies hire 1,745 people, with an average
  recruit-to-hire ratio of 4 to 1. Over 2.6
  million in Training Funds was awarded to 30
  growing companies to train 1,500 New Yorkers,
  matched by 3.4 million in employer
  contributions.

EXAMPLES OF BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INITIATIVES

• Helped Macy's hire 197 people in 2006.
• Concentrated services during the Holiday hiring
  rush, helping Macys hire 100 people in November
  and December of 2006.

• Helped Whole Foods hire all its employees (349)
  for its new store.
• Reduced the time Whole Foods spent interviewing
  candidates by approximately 50 in comparison to
  the opening of their last New York City location.

• Screened and placed 180 assistant managers,
  cashiers and stockers for the opening of their
  Brooklyn store.
• Provided on-the-job training through NYC Business
  Solutions Training Funds.

• Helped Duane Reade hire for specialized,
  hard-to-fill positions, including 15 Photo
  Technicians, with a recruit-to-hire ratio of 3 to
  1.
• Based on positive success, Duane Reade has
  returned to NYC Business Solutions Hiring for
  help staffing 8 new stores.