Governor Hochul To Start New Digital Literacy Program for New Yorkers Through State Department of Labor

Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY), through the New York State Department of Labor, is launching a new, free digital literacy program to help job seekers gain the skills they need to be more marketable to employers. The program is available through a partnership with Northstar Digital Literacy to assess job seekers’ computer skills and help them build knowledge in areas sought after by businesses. According to a 2022 survey, 44 percent of responding businesses said basic computer use and computer literacy were common skills lacking among job applicants and new employees. Other common issues identified include basic email proficiency and Excel skills. With technology constantly evolving in the workplace, it has become essential for employees to understand how to utilize digital tools and platforms in order for New York workers to advance their careers and for businesses to continue to thrive. In the Department's 2022 survey, businesses listed some of the technical skills they were seeking mos as software proficiency in Excel, email use, proficiency in Word, data analysis and typing. Northstar’s digital program helps workers assess their proficiency levels and learn these skills, preparing New Yorkers for the workforce, and ensuring businesses find workers who have the skills they need.