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Government's impact on jobs and the economy is often debated, but one area in which government has a clearly positive impact is "workforce development." Workforce development efforts help both businesses and job seekers by providing services they need to be successful.

Oswego County's Division of Employment and Training (E&T) is part of the local Workforce Development System. So far this year, E&T has assisted 58 local businesses and 268 residents through customized training programs and on-the-job training. In addition, 157 residents have been recruited, screened, and referred to a local business as part of employer screening services.

Things may be getting busier for E&T. At its recent annual meeting, Operation Oswego County (the county's economic development agency) showed why there is reason to be optimistic about Oswego County and the local jobs outlook. Last year 1,400 local jobs were retained or created with the agency's assistance. There are a number of projects underway that, when complete will create new employment opportunities and demands for a skilled workforce. These include 500 jobs with the New York Chocolate and Confections Company, 86 jobs with Spears USA, 60 jobs with Wisebuys Stores, 55 jobs with Oswego Hospital, and a number of others.

E&T helps local employers remain competitive in their field. Customized training is available to help businesses (or a group of businesses) upgrade the skills of their current employees. An employment specialist meets with each business to develop structured training plans.

On-the-job training provides funding to businesses to offset the cost of hiring and training a new employee. Up to 50% of the trainee's wages, while participating in training, can be reimbursed to the employer to offset the cost of training. On-the-job training helps companies screen, interview and train new employees. An E&T professional interviews prospective candidates and refers job-ready applicants to the employer.

Businesses benefit from the on-the-job training program in other ways, too. Much of the time and money associated with applicant screening and developing a job description is saved. E&T provides training to potential employees before they are hired, and it provides support to supervisors during the trainee's transition to work. E&T's staff also helps resolve problems that affect employee performance and productivity.

Of course, job seekers also benefit. Trainees have the opportunity to learn an occupational skill and earn a paycheck at the same time.

A variety of other services are available to local businesses. E&T's staff can answer questions about personnel issues, retention, financing small business start-ups, how to access federal and state tax incentives that promote business expansion, and compliance with employment laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and Equal Employment Opportunity.

E&T provides services to businesses and jobseekers at its Career Connections centers in Fulton and Mexico, and through affiliations with Career Employment Services (Oswego Industries), Oswego County Opportunities, Inc., and Oswego County BOCES.

If you are a local employer or jobseeker and want to learn more about how E&T can help you, contact E&T at 200 N. Second St., Fulton, NY 13069, weekdays phone 591-9000 or go on-line at www.yourcareerconnection.org .