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  If you've ever considered sponsoring a registered   apprenticeship in your business, there's no better day to take that first   step than today, National Apprenticeship Day!
  New York State registered apprenticeships are a fantastic way   for employers to create and sustain a highly skilled workforce tailored to   the specific needs of their business. The benefits of sponsoring a registered   apprenticeship include:
  - Increased efficiency and productivity
 - Increased employee retention and attendance
 - Improved employer/employee relationships
 - A broader, more diverse pool of applicants
 - An immediate return on investment
 - An improved corporate culture
 
 Not sure if your business qualifies for an apprenticeship? Not   a problem! Registered apprenticeships are compatible in nearly every   industry. From jewelers to piano builders, we have successful apprenticeships   in an incredibly diverse set of career fields. If you think that your   business would thrive with an apprenticeship, we can make it happen. To learn more about sponsoring an apprenticeship, please visit   our Registered Apprenticeship Webpage.   |    The New York State Department of Labor is here to help businesses of all sizes     succeed! We offer a host of tools and services to assist with your hiring     needs: - New York State Virtual Career Center (VCC) - Jump into the VCC and post your job openings in a snap! This          advanced technology platform matches you with the perfect candidates          fast, making hiring a breeze.
 - New York State Job Bank - Struggling to find the right talent? Dive into our Job Bank! With over 135,000 listings across a          spectrum of industries, it’s your go-to for snagging top-notch pros.
 - Host Your Own Career Fair - Nothing beats face-to-face connections. Host a Career Fair or a          Custom Recruitment event to meet skilled hopefuls and fill your ranks          with the best.
 
 Contact your local     Business Services Representative to start building your     workforce!    |  
 |  The New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has launched the Responsible Workforce Training program—a first-of-its-kind     initiative designed to ensure all cannabis industry workers are     equipped with essential safety, compliance, and responsibility     training.   The following training courses are now available: 
  - Cannabis Product Safety & Responsibility – Developed by OCM, this course focuses on          protecting health and safety in the regulated cannabis industry. It          includes essential information on cannabis product safety, consumer          protection, and state regulations that impact daily cannabis          operations.  
 - Cannabis Workforce Responsibility – Developed by NYSDOL, this course highlights labor standards, worker          rights, and workplace health and safety. 
 
 New York is the first state     to require and develop this type of training for the cannabis     workforce! This free program eliminates financial barriers to     education and ensures both workers and consumers are protected. Access the     training courses here.    |  
 |  Small businesses are a core feature of New York's economy and vital contributor     to the economic health and culture of local communities. The NYSDOL is     thrilled to highlight the important contributions of small businesses     everywhere during the month of May for National Small Business Month.   The NYSDOL offers a variety     of free services to support small businesses and entrepreneurs,     including: 
  - Business Jumpstart - Get specialized assistance with recruiting and          training employees, learn about hiring incentives, and receive          technical assistance for your individual business needs.
 - Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) - SEAP allows qualified New Yorkers who are out of          work to start their own business while collecting unemployment          insurance (UI) benefits.
 - Virtual Career Center – The VCC is New York State’s premier online job          search site. We use artificial intelligence to match businesses with          qualified candidates.  
 
 For more information about     the various ways the NYSDOL can help your small business, visit our Business Services page or contact the     NYSDOL small business liaison. 
 
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 New York State and the Department of Labor are committed to ensuring that all     New Yorkers feel safe on the job. The Retail Worker Safety Act (RWSA) is     New York State's latest effort to address rising incidents of workplace     violence by increasing protections for retail employees. The RWSA is a     significant step toward addressing safety concerns in New York State.
  This law mandates that retail     employers with 10 or more employees implement a workplace violence     prevention policy as well as annual training on de-escalation techniques,     emergency procedures, and active shooter response. With these measures in     place, workers will have the tools to effectively handle potential threats.
  For large retailers—those     with 500 or more employees—the RWSA requires them to install silent     response buttons by January 1, 2027. These devices will connect to on-site     security personnel or managers. The Retail Worker Safety Act     will go into effect June 2, 2025.  |  
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