Building a Future-Ready Workforce in Westchester: Innovation, Inclusion & Impact with Thom Kleiner

In this episode of I Live Here: Westchester, host Jim Jockle sits down with Thom Kleiner, Executive Director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, for a dynamic conversation on how local initiatives are shaping the future of work across the region.

Thom shares the mission of the Workforce Development Board and how strategic partnerships—with community colleges, employers, nonprofits, and even platforms like Indeed—are helping people not only find jobs, but build lasting careers. From training hundreds of residents for in-demand healthcare roles to pioneering clean energy workforce pipelines, Thom discusses the power of collaboration in driving economic opportunity.

Highlights include:

• How workforce training programs like the Healthcare Talent Pipeline and Jobs Waiting have placed hundreds into employment
• The role of AI and virtual career tools in reshaping job search and upskilling
• Programs aimed at youth employment and gun violence prevention
• Focused outreach to underserved communities including those with disabilities and reentry populations
• The growing opportunity in clean energy and the challenge of aligning job seekers, employers, and educators
• Thom’s reflections on public service and what gives him hope for the future of work in Westchester

Whether you're a job seeker, employer, policymaker, or simply a neighbor who cares, this episode offers a hopeful and practical look at how workforce development touches every aspect of community life.

Learn more: https://www.westchesterputnamonestop.com

Transcript

James Jockle:
Morning Tom, thank you so much for joining us.

Thom Kleiner:
Yeah, my pleasure. Thanks for having me.

James Jockle:
For listeners who may not be familiar, what is the Westchester Putnam Workforce Development Board and what is your mission?

Thom Kleiner:
We’re one of 33 workforce boards across New York State providing job training, skills development, and job matching for clients in Westchester and Putnam Counties. Our mission is to assist job seekers in obtaining employment or upskilling so they can advance in their careers. We do this by partnering with education and training providers as well as local employers who are looking for skilled workers.

James Jockle:
You’ve been executive director since 2018. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

Thom Kleiner:
There are a lot of success stories, but a few standout programs include the Healthcare Talent Pipeline Program (HTPP), where we partnered with the Westchester County Association and local training institutions like Westchester Community College and Southern Westchester BOCES. We've helped over 200 people gain employment in the latest cohort alone. Another earlier program, Jobs Waiting Ready to Work, helped over 500 people get healthcare jobs. These programs really reflect the strong partnerships we’ve built with the business community.

James Jockle:
Your team recently introduced virtual reality tools and partnered with Indeed. What role does innovation play in workforce development?

Thom Kleiner:
Innovation is critical. We’ve adopted tools like the Virtual Career Center from the NY State Department of Labor, which helps match job seekers and employers more effectively. You can filter opportunities down to your hometown or education level. Our collaboration with the Indeed Job Search Academy is especially unique—it was the first of its kind in the nation. Matt Berndt hosts webinars on resume building, interview skills, and more. It’s another way to make workforce services more accessible.

James Jockle:
I recently heard a quote: “AI is coming for your job, but not necessarily your career.” How concerned are you about AI, and how are you helping people upskill in that area?

Thom Kleiner:
AI is absolutely a factor. Some jobs will be displaced, especially entry-level white-collar roles. But new jobs will be created too. We're making AI training a major focus of our strategic plan. We need to help people adapt, just like society did with the rise of computers. It’s essential that job seekers begin including AI tools like ChatGPT as part of their skillsets on resumes.

James Jockle:
What is the unemployment rate in Westchester, and what’s the composition of the job-seeking population?

Thom Kleiner:
Unemployment is low—just over 3%. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. Populations with barriers—those dealing with transportation issues, childcare, reentry from the justice system, or disabilities—face ongoing challenges. We work with partners like AccessVR and Probation & Corrections to support these communities.

James Jockle:
Let’s shift to youth. You’ve done a lot for younger people in the region. Why is that such a priority?

Thom Kleiner:
If we can assist young people early, it sets them up for lifelong success. We support year-round and summer employment programs across multiple municipalities and nonprofits like Westhab, WestCop, and Children’s Village. We also participate in programs like the Gun Violence Prevention Program to provide youth employment opportunities in more vulnerable communities. These programs help keep youth engaged and open new doors for their future.

James Jockle:
You mentioned the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). Can you share more?

Thom Kleiner:
Yes, VITA offers free tax assistance to low and moderate income individuals. It helps bring money back into communities through refunds, and we’ve helped thousands. Sometimes clients become volunteers, and those relationships often lead to employment opportunities. One recent story involved a man who began as a VITA client, became a volunteer, and then landed a job at a local university thanks to one of our counselors.

James Jockle:
Collaboration seems to be a major theme. How are those partnerships sustained?

Thom Kleiner:
We're constantly trying to deepen our relationships. For instance, we recently began working with the Clean Energy Action Coalition, which includes the Westchester County Association and the Business Council of Westchester. We’re creating a comprehensive list of clean energy businesses and matching training providers with job opportunities. It’s a model that can be applied across sectors.

James Jockle:
What’s the biggest challenge facing the workforce in Westchester and Putnam today?

Thom Kleiner:
Bridging the gap between job seekers, the training they need, and employers. Businesses say they can’t find skilled talent. Job seekers say they’re missing qualifications but don’t know where to go. Our job is to connect those dots—job seekers, trainers, and employers. It’s a constant cycle of adaptation.

James Jockle:
Which sectors hold the most opportunity for job seekers in the region?

Thom Kleiner:
In the short term, healthcare remains strong. Medium term, clean energy is growing fast. And long term, AI is going to touch every sector. We're working to help job seekers show proficiency in AI tools and help employers understand how to leverage them.

James Jockle:
Let’s talk about you. What drew you to this kind of public service, and what keeps you going?

Thom Kleiner:
I served as a town supervisor in Rockland and worked for the NYS Department of Labor before taking this role. I’ve always worked in the public sector. I’ve come to believe that helping someone get a job benefits not just the individual, but their family, the economy, and even public safety. That impact keeps me inspired.

James Jockle:
Do you have a favorite success story?

Thom Kleiner:
That VITA volunteer story I mentioned is a good one. It started with one type of assistance—free tax filing—and evolved into a meaningful employment opportunity. It's a reminder that small actions can lead to transformative outcomes.

James Jockle:
Last question. What gives you hope about the future of work in Westchester?

Thom Kleiner:
The quality of people I work with—both in Westchester and Putnam. County leadership under George Latimer and Ken Jenkins has been strong, and we have excellent professionals across departments. That gives me confidence we can continue building a better workforce system for the future.

James Jockle:
Tom, thank you so much for sharing your time and insights. And on behalf of the community, thank you and your team for all the work you're doing.

Thom Kleiner:
My pleasure. Thank you for having me.