New York, September 29, 2009 - Small Business Services (SBS) Commissioner Robert W. Walsh and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced the beginning of a new class of 90 Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) that will be funded with federal stimulus money under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Providing job training for New Yorkers and helping place them in jobs is a central part of the City's Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan to create jobs for New Yorkers.

“Job training is a critical part of the Mayor’s plan to use federal stimulus money to create more job opportunities for New Yorkers. The City has a need for more first responders and this program will increase the EMT workforce as well as enhance the City’s health services,” said Commissioner Robert W. Walsh.

The EMT class consists of an intensive 16-week classroom-based curriculum supplemented with rigorous training. In addition, the students must complete the New York State certification exam and enter into an orientation program in order to take on the roles of first responders in New York City. This class represents a diverse group of New Yorkers with 22 students from the Bronx; four from Manhattan; 31 from Brooklyn; 26 from Queens; and seven from Staten Island.

“This funding accomplishes several important things: helping us train new first-responders who can assist New Yorkers in medical emergencies while at the same time helping the department financially during these difficult economic times,” Commissioner Scoppetta said. “We’re very proud to partner with Commissioner Walsh and the federal government to carry out our important mission here in New York City.”

Today’s program was kicked off with the Workforce1 Career Center orientation program entitled Career Strategies, which focuses on promoting personal growth and developing job readiness skills. Workforce1 Career Centers, which are managed by SBS, offer services to meet the needs of all jobseekers, including one-on-one job and career counseling, technical and educational services, workshops, and referrals to training providers. For more information on all of SBS’ services go to www.nyc.gov/sbs.

In May, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announced that New York City will use nearly $32 million of federal stimulus funding received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to provide additional job training and placement services for 10,000 New Yorkers over the next two years. The FDNY Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program is funded with $786,000 of these stimulus funds.

As a result of the ARRA funding, SBS is partnering with other city agencies and educational organizations to offer job training programs, including the City University of New York, the Center for Economic Opportunity, the Department of Education, the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Department of Cultural Affairs. In addition, these stimulus funds will expand SBS’ Individual Training Grant program, assist high-needs adults with job preparation and placement services and subsidize the opening of two new Workforce1 sector centers.

About the Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan
The Five Borough Economic Opportunity Plan is a comprehensive strategy to bring New York City through the current economic downturn as fast as possible. It focuses on three major areas: creating jobs for New Yorkers today, implementing a long-term vision for growing the city's economy, and building affordable, attractive neighborhoods in every borough. Taken together, the initiatives that the City has launched to achieve these goals will generate thousands of jobs and put New York City on a path to economic recovery and growth.

About The Department of Small Business Services
The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) makes it easier for businesses in New York City to form, do business, and grow by providing direct assistance to business owners, fostering neighborhood development in commercial districts, and linking employers to a skilled and qualified workforce. NYC Workforce1 Career Centers offer services to meet the needs of all jobseekers, including one-on-one job and career counseling, technical and educational services, workshops, and referrals to training providers. For more information on all of SBS’ services go to www.nyc.gov/sbs.