New York Launches Online Training for Unemployed Amid COVID

(TNS) — Gov.  Andrew M. Cuomo  recently announced the launch of a new online training platform that will enable unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers weathering the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to learn new skills, earn certificates and advance their career at no cost.

The new tool will provide access to nearly 4,000 online programs taught by leading professors and industry professionals on Coursera, with a focus on high-growth and in-demand sectors, including advanced manufacturing, technology and health care, among others.

"The war against COVID-19 is one taking place on multiple fronts, and while we are doing everything we can to protect the health of New Yorkers, we must also take the steps necessary for building back a strong economy," Cuomo said.

"This new training platform will be key in this effort by ensuring unemployed and underemployed New Yorkers are not left behind by providing access to the resources and training they need to get back on their feet. Whether it's taking refresher course or learning a new skill, I encourage all New Yorkers in need to consider taking advantage of this free program," he added.

The new course offerings are provided through a partnership between the state Department of Labor and Coursera, which covers topics ranging from mechanical engineering and project management to technology and data science skills. New Yorkers can request a free account on the New York State Department of Labor website.

Many of these programs provide a pathway to professional certificates and other certifications that can help New Yorkers elevate their career or compete in a new industry, according to Cuomo's office.

The Department of Labor is working with stakeholders across the state to curate the content catalog to respond to industry and regional needs.

"Training and retraining our workforce are critical when it comes to getting New Yorkers back on the job," said state Labor Commissioner  Roberta Reardon . "New skills and expanded knowledge can provide more pathways to more jobs and help diversify our workforce — which is good for both workers and our businesses. The New York State Department of Labor encourages New Yorkers to take advantage of this free learning opportunity by registering on our website."

Examples of the wide range of courses, programs and professional certificates available through Coursera include:

—How to Manage a Remote Team

—Business Writing

—Introduction to Mechanical Engineering Design and Manufacturing Machine Learning

—Motors and Motor Control Circuits

—Generative Design for Additive Manufacturing

—Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects

—Marketing in a Digital World

—Supply Chain Operations

—Data Science Specialization

—Project Management

—Cybersecurity

—Google IT Support Professional Certificate

—The Business of Health Care Specialization

—Medical Neuroscience

—Financial Markets

—Facebook Social Media Marketing

—Entrepreneurship

—Introduction to Game Development

—The Art of Negotiation

—Programming Foundations with JavaScript, HTML and CSS

—Introduction to HTML5

—Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset: First Step Towards Success

—Introduction to iOS App Development

The full course catalog can be viewed here.

The state will also partner with New York-based businesses to encourage their employees to utilize this free learning opportunity.

During the pandemic, Coursera has helped more than 330 government agencies across 70 countries and 30 U.S. states and cities support impacted workers with job-relevant skills training, according to Cuomo's office.

Since the launch of the Coursera Workforce Recovery Initiative, more than 1 million workers have enrolled in millions of courses.

(c)2020 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.