Member News

ROCHESTER, NY, February 13, 2025—RochesterWorks introduces a new program for Monroe County employers and job seekers! The Retention & Career Accelerator (RCA) Program is geared towards employers facing challenges in retaining entry-level employees and job seekers who may be facing barriers to sustained employment. With a particular focus on those populations underrepresented in the workforce, RCA’s goal is to enhance long-term employment outcomes using a holistic approach.

RCA Program participants, both employees (pre- and post-employment) and employers, will have access to a wide variety of resources including success coaches, workshops, career exploration, meetings, wraparound services, and more, to help address the critical issues threatening employee and job retention. This will include two surveys that will enable employers to identify both strengths and potential new strategies to create better retention outcomes. The first RCA cohorts of employers and job seekers are anticipated to start up in March of this year with several additional cohorts planned to follow. The RCA Program is funded through the support of the ESL Charitable Foundation, which has provided $461,000 in grant funds for a two-year demonstration pilot.

“Recruiting qualified employees is just the first step toward the success and growth of any organization,” said Dave Seeley, Executive Director, RochesterWorks. “Retaining these employees provides the opportunity for sustained success and growth—as well as a positive impact on our local economy. The RCA Program is designed to help foster a better partnership between employees and employers. Our deepest thanks to ESL for their generous investment in our community through the new Retention & Career Accelerator (RCA) Program.”

“We’re pleased to support RochesterWorks’ RCA Program and their plan to address common employment barriers and strengthen career pathways,” said Executive Director, John Paul Perez, ESL Federal Credit Union. “This investment can help expand professional and educational opportunities and strengthen the workforce of our Greater Rochester community, helping to build a stronger local economy.

RCA Program Benefits

Job Seekers
This program is for job seekers looking beyond just getting a new job to starting to build a better career and a brighter future. Job seekers who participate in the program will receive help with identifying what they need in a job and work environment to feel more satisfied. Participants will learn to make better career choices to support short-and-long term goals, and to manage challenges more effectively on the job. By working with a success coach, participants will increase their chance of long-term success and have the opportunity to identify and access support services to effectively manage other life challenges as well.

Job Seekers interested in the program may register for an online information session through Eventbrite at https://RCAjs.eventbrite.com.   If there are any additional questions, the Program Coordinator can be reached at 585-258-3500, ext. 3507 or mmcgee@rochesterworks.org.

Employers
This program is for employers looking to develop work environments that support employee success, increasing retention and productivity, and reducing costs. Employers who participate in the program will have the opportunity to gain fresh perspectives on employee retention and engagement through innovative management training. The RCA Program will work to enhance job quality and employee experience in the workplace through targeted improvement plans. RochesterWorks will help connect participating employers with motivated candidates ready to learn and grow their skills into a career. RCA Program resources include funding to cover wages for trial hires, on-the-job training, and upskilling of current employees.

Interested employers may register for an online information session through Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/RCABizInfoSession.  Additional questions can be directed to the Program Coordinator at 585-258-3500, ext. 3507 or mmcgee@rochesterwork.org.

With the advent of the RCA Program, RochesterWorks is excited to provide Rochester-area employers and job seekers with a comprehensive new and holistic approach to understanding and improving employer/employee relationships, how those relationships can impact success, retention, productivity, and cost—and to serve as a guide and support for change for the better for our local workforce.

# # #

About RochesterWorks
RochesterWorks is Monroe County’s largest employment and training initiative. We are a nonprofit dedicated to providing free employment and workforce services to job seekers, youth, and businesses in Rochester and the Greater Monroe County Area.

Learn more about RochesterWorks, our programs, events, and services by visiting www.rochesterworks.org or by calling our Career Center at 585-258-3500/TTY: 800-662-1220.

RochesterWorks is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.