Remington Arms has been a leader in its industry since 1816. As the largest producer and pioneer of sporting and hunting ammunition and rifles, the company has been the largest employer to individuals living in and around Herkimer County. In 2019 Remington began furloughing employees and by October 2020 had to terminate 701 workers as a result of the sale of the company. Throughout these tumultuous times (i.e. the termination of individuals working for a major employer in the Mohawk Valley region and the devastation due to the COVID-19 pandemic), WDI and Empowered Pathways remained diligent in recognizing and responding to the needs of the affected individuals. In February 2021 WDI was able to provide financial support for a Job Readiness Workshop which consisted of two, three-day training sessions.
The training program was established by Empowered Pathways to help former Remington employees (members of United Mine Workers of America, UMWA #717) update their resumes, upgrade their computer skills, and learn how to navigate a virtual job search and interview process. Participants attended classes onsite at Herkimer County Community College (adhering to all COVID-19 safety and social distancing protocols) with their former co-workers in order to increase self-confidence, create camaraderie, and participate in a positive learning environment. Individuals participating in this pilot program began developing the skills necessary to reenter the job market.
Training programs such as this demonstrate the ability of WDI and its partners to address the challenges faced by terminated workers in real-time and, to meet these individuals where they are. This project is expected to result in the development of updated skills and encourage participants to pursue further training and/or new avenues of employment.
photo credit: Empowered Pathways