Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson provided the keynote address.

Goodwill of Western New York honored members of its first graduating class from Goodskills Career Builder at its Dunkirk location established earlier this month. Goodskills is a targeted workforce development initiative funded by one of only 21 national Build Back Better Regional Challenge awards through the U.S. Economic Development Administration to grow Western New York’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem through Workforce, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Dunkirk is Goodskills’ fourth location in Western New York joining Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and Jamestown.

Joined by friends, family, and members of the community, graduates heard from several speakers celebrating their completion of the rigorous four-week Goodskills training that combines classroom and hands-on experience to fill a growing need for skilled workers in manufacturing at Chautauqua County employers.

Joining those in attendance was Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson who provided the keynote address. “Congratulations to the graduating class! Your dedication and hard work have brought you to this important milestone,” said Ferguson. “Manufacturing is the lifeblood of Chautauqua County; it’s an integral part of our history, identity, and future. Our region’s manufacturers need talented workers like you, and I’m confident you will make significant contributions to our community and the manufacturing sector as a whole.”

Designed in partnership with the University at Buffalo Regional Institute (UBRI) and currently hosting sessions in Erie, Niagara, and Chautauqua Counties, Goodskills has graduated more than 550 participants since its launch with nearly 70% successfully placed in jobs with career advancement opportunities or enrolled in higher education programs. By focusing specifically on careers in manufacturing, Goodskills has the dual benefit of helping to fill a growing need for skilled workers among businesses and providing opportunities for people to advance from minimum or low-wage jobs into higher paying careers.

In collaboration with local employers and trainers, Goodskills Career Builder prepares workers for careers in Advanced Manufacturing provided free of charge. Current Chautauqua County training partners include Anderson Precision, Artone, and Dahlstrom Roll Form. In addition, Goodskills works with 42 hiring partners across the Chautauqua County looking to employ Goodskills graduates.

Participants also have access to a Goodskills Career Coach for up to three years after graduation.

The Career Coach will help graduates overcome obstacles that may prevent them from maintaining their position and help them advance in their desired career path. These coaches have access to a wide range of resources that can assist with transportation, affordable childcare, and referrals to additional sector specific training.

Goodskills Career Builder is open to any adult over 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent residing in Chautauqua County who is authorized to work in the United States, and is currently looking for a higher-paying job in advanced manufacturing. There is currently no cost associated with participating, and graduates will receive $500 for work completed during the hands-on portion of the training. Sessions are now enrolling at its Jamestown location in the Hultquist Building on the Jamestown Community College Campus at 260 Curtis Street in Jamestown.

Potential candidates for Goodskills and potential employer partners can learn more by visiting Goodskillswny.org or by calling an Outreach Liaison at 716-710-7114