“Through this program, students will be introduced to core concepts, tools, and techniques essential for understanding and applying AI in professional, academic and personal settings,” said Jason Konesco, executive vice president, Ģ����ý. “Offering this certification is an example of how Trocaire, as an opportunity college, is helping to address the needs and offer solutions for upskilling today’s current workforce.”

Trocaire has hired Anthony DeSimone, CPA, CMA, and AI integration expert, to create and teach this certification course. For more than 25 years, DeSimone has delivered AI-focused and leadership education, including leading AI accelerator programs and workshops and specializing in making existing standard operating procedures more efficient through AI integration. He serves as president of You’re the Expert Now, LLC and owner of ChatGPhD.com.

“AI is more than just a buzzword, it can give both individuals and organizations a measurable advantage when it comes to improved efficiency and productivity,” said DeSimone. “This program is designed to train professionals across industries in safe, ethical, and effective use of Generative AI, and empower them to integrate AI effectively and strategically within their own organization.”

The six-week program, which includes weekly two-hour in-person or online classes, focuses on topics ranging from AI fundamentals to prompt engineering, workflow automation, and ethical integration into organizations. Students will gain hands-on experience using ChatGPT, building task-specific prompts, creating custom GPTs, and exploring AI’s most advanced features. Students will build a practice AI toolkit, culminating in a capstone project and live feedback session. Graduates of the program will receive a Beginner’s Certificate upon completion. No technical background is required.

The first cohort is slated to launch Dec. 1. For more details and to apply, visit trocaire.edu/academics/workforce-development/chatgpt-101/.

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announced today receipt of a two-year $270,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation for information technology workforce training in underserved communities in Buffalo and Lackawanna.

“Ģ����ý is thrilled that the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has shown its support for our innovative workforce programs like Jump Start Plus that provide students with opportunities aligned with employer needs and demands,” said Dr. Bassam M. Deeb, president, Ģ����ý. “This grant allows us to take IT training directly into the neighborhoods where it’s in demand most, by collaborating with trusted community partners for recruitment and program delivery. We help students not only achieve success in the classroom, but also in the workforce through career sustaining opportunities provided by the local IT industry.”

Trocaire can connect the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grant money with the matching funds received from a larger New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) grant allocated in June 2023 in partnership with the Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition. NYS OSWD operates under Empire State Development and supports the development and delivery of industry-driven workforce programs and practices to ensure that New Yorkers are prepared to meet the needs and priorities of employers.

As part of the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition, Trocaire’s Jump Start Plus program includes IT training with focused wraparound support strategies to help underserved individuals transition from unemployment or underemployment to a career pathway in the high-demand field of IT. This high-impact training combines IT career exploration and work readiness with technical instruction and IT certifications. By partnering with other community organizations, Jump Start Plus recruitment targets underrepresented and underserved populations in the cities of Buffalo and Lackawanna.

“To foster a skilled talent pool empowered to tackle today’s job market, it’s essential that training and guidance is accessible to those seeking new skills and new career paths. By bolstering support alongside the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are ensuring the programs continue to be sustainable and offer employer aligned training,” said Amber Slichta, vice president of programs and learning at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. “Through our partners at Ģ����ý and the Western New York Advanced Manufacturing and Tech Coalition, we are all working together to fill workforce gaps that strengthen every household in WNY through access to good-paying jobs that can sustain families and drive local economies.”

For information on Trocaire’s Jump Start Plus program or to apply for the next cohort starting April 1, visit /academics/workforce-development/it-training/it-career-jump-start-program/.

About The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect the devotion of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his beloved Buffalo Bills NFL team. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson provided that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. Based in Detroit, the Foundation began with a grantmaking capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable, and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit .

About The Western New York Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition
The WNY Manufacturing and Tech Workforce Coalition (The Coalition) is an intermediary managed by the Center for Regional Strategies (CRS) in Buffalo, New York focused on strengthening our region’s manufacturing and technology workforce. The Coalition’s mission is centered on one goal – to solve the talent pain points of regional employers by growing the skills of the region’s workforce to meet employer demand.

The Coalition facilitates a collaborative strategy that supports an ecosystem approach that builds talent pipelines for tech and manufacturing. Membership includes employers, workforce boards, education and training institutions, and pipeline development organizations such as Tech Buffalo, working together to develop sector partnerships in advanced manufacturing and technology.

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Trocaire’s IT Career Jump Start Plus program is an instructor-led program, designed to prepare participants for new career opportunities in Information Technology. No prior IT experience is required. This 15-week program covers basic internet security, foundational IT concepts and terminology, and in-depth training in the skills necessary for a help desk or tech support position. Students can earn internationally recognized IT certifications and participate in work readiness skills training offered in partnership with 716 Ministries.

“Ģ����ý works hard to help students gain needed skills to succeed in high paying careers. IT jobs continue to remain in extreme demand in our community and this program can be a steppingstone for those looking to transition to a career in information technology,” said Christine Whipkey, Ģ����ý’s director of workforce development. “Students that take this course will receive basic entry level IT and workforce readiness skills needed to make them a qualified applicant for a variety of roles in the field.”

In addition to the session starting in January, Trocaire is offering more cohorts of its IT Career Jump Start Plus program at 716 Ministries, Gerard Place, and OLV Human Services throughout next year.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, more than 682,000 new IT jobs will be added over the next decade. For more information or to apply for an upcoming IT Career Jump Start program session, visit trocaire.edu/IT. Qualified applicants may receive funding.

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Students may apply for the following workforce development programs offered on a rolling basis by Trocaire, including phlebotomy, sterile processing and distribution, pharmacy technician, veterinary assistant, critical leadership skills development, and information technology.

“Trocaire is grateful for the support of Foundation 214, Inc. for providing these scholarships to offer veterans and their families an opportunity to prepare for in-demand careers in the health care and technology industries,” said Christine Whipkey, Ģ����ý, director of workforce development. “Ģ����ý offers veterans the chance to acquire proficiencies that refine their skills to make finding both a job and a lucrative career easier.”

According to a recent report issued in March from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for veterans is 2.8%. This scholarship is available to all Western New York veterans, their spouses and dependents. The application is free. All applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. For more information or to apply, visit Veterans and Family Scholarship Opportunity.

Funding for the workforce development scholarships was provided by Foundation 214, Inc., a family-funded foundation engaging in serving veterans of the U.S. Military, children, and elderly in health care and education within the eight counties of Western New York.

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Trocaire received a $150,000 grant to launch the Blue Fund Scholars workforce training program for marginalized populations, focused on developing career pathways to LPN certification and employment.  

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Starting this September, Ģ����ý is offering Buffalo residents in the 14220 and 14210 zip codes an opportunity to explore healthcare career opportunities through its new Health Career Exploration Learn and Earn Program.  Buffalo Common Council Member Christopher Scanlon is supporting the program through a $50,000 grant.

Designed for high school graduates with some or no college experience, the 10-week flexible program, which begins Sept. 26, enables participants to learn about the healthcare system and various career opportunities available within healthcare.

“This program is a unique opportunity for those who may be considering a career in healthcare, but not sure if they are ready to take the next step,” said Trocaire President Bassam M. Deeb, Ph.D. “Participants who successfully complete all the program requirements will not only be prepared to decide if a career in healthcare is right for them, but also decide the right career path to pursue.”

“Ģ����ý has a long history in my district of being a pipeline to the health care sector across the City of Buffalo and Western New York,” Council Member Scanlon said.  “I am pleased to lend my support to Trocaire’s effort to provide high school graduates in the city the opportunity to learn about careers in health care and potentially move on to earn a degree in the field in which there is an extremely strong demand.”

Held online, the Health Career Exploration Learn and Earn Program will not require specific class meeting times but provide a weekly check-in with a healthcare career coach and mentor. Career opportunities highlighted in the program include nursing, medical assisting, radiologic technology, healthcare management, surgical technology, massage therapy, healthcare informatics, and others.

Participants who complete the full program with receive a $500 completion bonus in addition to a Trocaire Certificate of Completion. For those interested in taking their healthcare career to the next step, participants may have their Certificate of Completion converted into three college credits to be applied towards a Trocaire certificate or degree program. For those participants who decide to continue and start their healthcare certificate or degree program in 2023 at Trocaire, they will also be granted a $500 Trocaire scholarship.

Current Trocaire students are not eligible for this program. If interested in more information or to apply for the Health Career Exploration Learn and Earn Program, visit /academics/workforce-development/healthcare-career-exploration-learn-and-earn/.

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For the first time, and are partnering to offer courses geared towards future career opportunities in healthcare. Beginning this summer, programs in phlebotomy, sterile processing and pharmacy technician will be held at Gerard Place located at 2535 Bailey Ave., Buffalo. Each of these three certificate programs can be completed in as little as three months.

“Gerard Place is very pleased to be partnering with Ģ����ý to offer our community wonderful opportunities for careers in the health care field,” said David Zapfel, president and CEO, Gerard Place. “We look forward to expanding our collaboration so that everyone can participate and move forward with good paying jobs in healthcare.”

Beginning July 12, and running Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept. 13, the phlebotomy program includes in-person lectures, a three-week clinical placement, and soft-skills work readiness training with one-on-one mentoring and job coaching provided by Gerard Place.

The sterile processing program prepares students to develop skills necessary to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store, and issue both sterile and non-sterile medical/surgical supplies and equipment for direct patient care and clinical use. This course begins Aug. 30 and runs Mondays and Wednesdays through Nov. 21.

The pharmacy technician program begins Sept. 27 and is held Tuesdays and Thursdays through Dec. 15. The 12-week program prepares pharmacy techs in working under the direction of a pharmacist to measure, mix, count out, label, and record amounts and dosages of medications based on the prescription orders as well as provide customer service.

“Partnering with Gerard Place is part of Trocaire’s workforce development strategy to help connect people with the resources and training needed for a new career pathway,” said Dr. Gary Smith, vice president, innovation and advancement, Ģ����ý. “The needed training for entry-level positions in phlebotomy, sterile processing, and pharmacy tech each take just a few months to complete. In addition, while each of these are rewarding career fields on their own, each can also be a steppingstone to more opportunities within the growing healthcare industry.”

Gerard Place strengthens the community as it empowers individuals and families toward self-sufficiency by providing housing, supportive services, community education and outreach. By taking a human-centered approach, Gerard Place empowers those in need by providing the tools, support and safe haven needed on a journey to achieve life goals. For more information, visit .

Applications for these three programs are free and being accepted now. For more information or to apply for Trocaire’s phlebotomy, sterile processing, or pharmacy tech programs held at Gerard Place, visit .

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“Our customer service program marks the start of a new collaboration with Buffalo City Mission, Our Lady of Victory and Cazenovia Recovery to provide opportunities for those who are looking for additional training to begin a new career or change career paths,” said Gary Smith, Ed.D., vice president, innovation and workforce development at Ģ����ý. “Qualified customer service professionals continue to be in high demand, and we are working with local companies to help train potential employees with the skill set employers are looking for to fill both in-person and remote positions.”

As part of the program, students will receive live, instructor led classes, certification exams, eight sessions of work readiness through Trocaire’s ongoing partnership with 716 Ministries, career coaching and mentoring, and employer networking. Program funding is available for qualified applicants through generous support from the Garman Family Foundation.

“The Buffalo City Mission has been ‘restoring lives since 1917.’ We are honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue this tradition by partnering with our colleagues from Ģ����ý, Our Lady of Victory, Cazenovia Recovery and 716 Ministries,” said John Ingersoll, manager, vocational & adult education, Buffalo City Mission. “We look forward to working together to provide this opportunity of personal and professional growth for those participating in the program from Erie and Niagara Counties.”

Classes start Jan. 18 and will be held Mondays thru Thursdays from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. It will be a hybrid model with classes offered at Buffalo City Mission, Our Lady of Victory and Cazenovia Recovery.  

For more information on the program or to enroll, visit .

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Start the New Year with a new career in the growing information technology industry! Ģ����ý has announced its latest IT course offerings, designed to prepare students for both entry-level and advanced help desk and tech support positions.

IT skills are in demand, and Western New York employers are hiring now for qualified candidates,” said Dan Neville, associate dean and director of the Trocaire Technology Institute. “You don’t have to be a computer whiz or math guru to work in IT; it’s about having a willingness to learn and problem solve. Both of Trocaire’s IT courses help to lay the foundation and provide the basic skills needed to start a new career in IT.

Beginning Feb. 15, Trocaire’s IT Career Jump Start program is a 12-week online, instructor-led program that covers basic internet security, foundational IT concepts and terminology and in-depth training in the skills necessary for a help desk or tech support position. Qualified candidates may also receive additional work-readiness skills training in partnership with 716 Ministries and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Jump Start funding is available for qualified applicants through the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Development Consortium.

The 36-week IT Career Reboot program is also an online, instructor-led program designed for someone with little to no experience in information technology. Funding provided by a grant from Empire State Development and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. Beginning March 1, the initial 12 weeks provides the basics covered in Trocaire’s Jump Start program, but then builds on the introductory skills exploring operating systems, cloud technologies and networking along with server operations, Linux and the foundations of computer security.  As students progress through the program, they will have the opportunity to earn multiple industry certifications from CompTIA and others.

In addition, students who earn certifications may apply to convert them to college credit in Trocaire’s AAS cybersecurity degree.

For more information on either program or to enroll, visit Workforce Development.

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For individuals looking for new career opportunities in the healthcare industry, Ģ����ý announced it is now enrolling for its next offerings of phlebotomy and sterile processing and distribution technician certificate programs.

“Both programs prepare students for entry-level careers in these fast-growing fields while enabling them to gain the theoretical and practical expertise for success,” said Dr. Gary Smith, vice president, innovation and workforce development, Ģ����ý. “While each are a rewarding field on their own, they also provide a stepping stone to other healthcare career opportunities.”

Phlebotomy

Beginning Jan. 12, the 14-week phlebotomy program is offered in three sections: remote and in person lectures, three-week clinical placement, and soft skills work-readiness training with one-on-one mentoring and coaching provided by 716 Ministries. The cost of the course is $1,600. Full funding is available for qualified applicants. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion from Trocaire and will be eligible to sit for the national examination for additional credentialing. Students will have an opportunity to network with professionals and employers in phlebotomy during the course of the program.

Sterile Processing and Distribution

Trocaire’s sterile processing and distribution program prepares students to develop skills necessary to properly disinfect, prepare, process, store, and issue both sterile and non-sterile medical/surgical supplies and equipment for direct patient care. The 10-week program, which begins Jan. 25, is a hybrid of remote lectures and a 20-hour clinical experience. Graduates of the program will be eligible to apply to take the certification exam through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution. The cost of the course is $1,600. Full funding is available for qualified applicants. Students will have an opportunity to network with professionals and employers in sterile processing during the course of the program.

For more information on either program or to enroll, visit trocaire.edu/wd.

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