NYS jobs program attracts eight LI firms

A state jobs program aimed at providing workplace training to unemployed and poor young people has so far attracted eight companies on Long Island, officials said Wednesday.

The NY Youth Works Program, unveiled in January by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, provides up to $4,000 in state tax credits to businesses for each individual employed for at least one year.

Brookhaven and Hempstead towns are among 12 communities where the state wants to help people, age 16 to 24, who are jobless and come from low-income families.

Leo Rosales, a spokesman for the state Labor Department, said the eight local companies have pledged to hire 31 people. Statewide, 122 companies have promised to employ 2,950 in full- and part-time jobs.

At Green Earth Contractors NY Llc in Lake Success, three young people are already learning how to make homes energy-efficient with new insulation. "The program is working out very well," said senior auditor Christine Jones. "It's really phenomenal."

Green Earth hopes to hire a few more young adults.

Jones urged local businesses to take a chance on youth. "It's so important to have an open mind," she said. "If they are willing . . . to meet expectations and work hard, I'm willing to believe in them."

Employers and young adults face a June 1 deadline to apply for the program. Employers can find out more at jobs .ny.gov/youthworks.

Young people should call 877-226-5724 or visit the department's One-Stop Career Centers in Hauppauge, Hempstead village, Hicksville, Massapequa and Patchogue.

About 1,000 youth have been certified so far statewide. Locally, the eligibility requirements include living in either Brookhaven or Hempstead towns, being unemployed and meeting income and schooling criteria.

"I encourage additional businesses to take advantage of this program, and urge young people who are struggling to find employment to get involved," Cuomo said Wednesday. He and state lawmakers have earmarked $25 million in tax credits for employers and $62 million to fund worker training.