Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the New York State Department of Labor is launching a new, free digital literacy program to help job seekers gain the skills they need to be more marketable to employers. The program is available through a partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy to assess job seekers' computer skills and help them build knowledge in areas sought after by businesses. According to a 2022 NYSDOL survey, 44 percent of responding businesses said basic computer use and computer literacy were common skills lacking among job applicants and new employees. Other common issues identified include basic email proficiency and Excel skills. With technology constantly evolving in the workplace, it has become essential for employees to understand how to utilize digital tools and platforms in order for New York workers to advance their careers and businesses to continue to thrive
"New York is leading the way in expanding digital literacy to help our state's talented workforce secure the jobs of tomorrow," Governor Hochul said. "This new initiative will be a transformative addition to our workforce development efforts, giving all New Yorkers access to the tools necessary to unlock a better future for themselves and their families."
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "As New York State looks to attract businesses to increase economic opportunities, we must ensure New Yorkers are well aligned with the needs of businesses. Our partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy will help our workforce gain the computer competence they need to keep up with the rapid changes of the digital global market."
Northstar has a three-prong system that starts with online, self-guided assessments for participants to receive certificates or digital badges when they pass. Northstar then recommends self-directed online learning while developing lesson plans to help New Yorkers increase their proficiency. This program will be facilitated out of NYSDOL's 95 local Career Centers.
In NYSDOL's 2022 survey, businesses listed the below as some of the technical skills they were seeking most:
- Software proficiency in Excel
- Software proficiency in Word
- Data analysis
- Typing
Northstar's digital program helps workers assess their proficiency levels and learn these skills, preparing New Yorkers for the workforce, and ensuring businesses find workers who have the skills they need.
This partnership furthers NYSDOL's commitment to helping New Yorkers gain the skills they need to excel in the job search and workplace. NYSDOL offers a variety of career development services online and in-person, including access to more than 4,000 programs through Coursera and daily virtual workshops on topics like transferable skills, LinkedIn, and more. NYSDOL's Career Centers offer a variety of classes, workshops, job fairs, recruitment events, job clubs, and informational sessions. New Yorkers seeking help with resumes, networking, or interviewing are encouraged to visit NYSDOL's Career Development webpage or contact their local Career Center.
New Yorkers should contact their local NYSDOL Career Center to sign up for Northstar's no-cost digital program. Northstar is currently used by nearly 3,000 Adult Basic Education programs, colleges, nonprofits, workforce centers, government agencies, and businesses.