Empowering Long Islanders: Job Training as a Holistic Response to Food Insecurity
“When I first came to Island Harvest, I was looking for an opportunity. I found confidence, encouragement, and people who believed in me even when I doubted myself. This program helped me recognize my strengths and faith in my abilities to succeed.”
- Stanville B., Program Graduate, Winter 2026
As part of Island Harvest’s innovative approach to hunger relief, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute equips residents facing employment barriers with in-demand skills and certifications—preparing them for meaningful careers in Warehousing and Inventory Control with local employers.
Empowering Long Islanders: Job Training as a Holistic Response to Food Insecurity
“ When I first came to Island Harvest, I was looking for an opportunity. I found confidence, encouragement, and people who believed in me even when I doubted myself. This program helped me recognize my strengths and faith in my abilities to succeed.”
- Stanville B., Program Graduate, Winter 2026
As part of Island Harvest’s innovative approach to hunger relief, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute equips residents facing employment barriers with in-demand skills and certifications—preparing them for meaningful careers in Warehousing and Inventory Control with local employers.
Program Features:
10 weeks of training
Classes are scheduled
Monday – Friday (9-3)
12 months of post-grad coaching
Multiple training credentials
No cost to students
Wraparound services & stipends
Active employer participation
Credentialing Includes:
Workforce Harassment Prevention Training
Forklift and Electric Pallet Jack
OSHA-10 General Industry
NRF Rise Up Supply Chain, Inventory, and Logistics
ServSafe Food Handler Safety
Computer Fundamentals
Program Requirements:
Age 18+
High School diploma or GED
Completion of career-based assessment
Math & reading assessments, in-person interview
Eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Consent to background check
Program Calendar:
Winter Session:
January
Spring Session:
April
Fall Session:
September
Program Features:
10 weeks of training
Classes are scheduled
Monday – Friday (9-3)
12 months of post-grad coaching
Multiple training credentials
No cost to students
Wraparound services & stipends
Active employer participation
Credentialing Includes:
Workforce Harassment Prevention Training
Forklift and Electric Pallet Jack
OSHA-10 General Industry
NRF Rise Up Supply Chain, Inventory, and Logistics
ServSafe Food Handler Safety
Computer Fundamentals
Program Requirements:
Age 18+
High School diploma or GED
Completion of career-based assessment
Math & reading assessments, in-person interview
Eligibility to work legally in the U.S.
Consent to background check
Program Calendar:
Winter Session:
January
Spring Session:
April
Fall Session:
September
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute in the News:
WPIX: Workforce Skills Development Training Graduation: Transitioning from Uncertainty to Stability (7/10/25)
News12 Long Island: Island Harvest Starts Program to Help Put Food on Tables as Lines at Food Bank Grow (4/8/25)
Newsday: Training Program Breaks Barriers (1/6/25)
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute in the News:
WPIX: Workforce Skills Development Training Graduation: Transitioning from Uncertainty to Stability (7/10/25)
News12 Long Island: Island Harvest Starts Program to Help Put Food on Tables as Lines at Food Bank Grow (4/8/25)
Newsday: Training Program Breaks Barriers (1/6/25)
Program Success:
To date, Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Institute has graduated eleven classes of students. Graduates are making an average salary of $20/hour and are employed at leading Long Island businesses including:
Graduate Spotlight: Meet Herguesth Wesh
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Herguesth Wesh joined Island Harvest's Workforce Skills Development Institute Spring 2025 cohort to build a career in warehousing and logistics.
His dedication quickly stood out. Herguesth earned all six industry-recognized credentials offered through the program, maintained outstanding attendance despite a long commute, and was chosen by his classmates as the student speaker at graduation. He was also recognized with citations from his local congressman.
Soon after graduating, Herguesth launched his career with Visiontron, where his strong work ethic earned him a promotion before completing his probationary period.
Herguesth's journey is a powerful example of how determination, opportunity, and hard work can lead to lasting career success. Congratulations, Herguesth!
For more information on Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Program, call (631) 873-4775 x276 or x108 email Workforce@islandharvest.org
Graduate Spotlight: Meet Herguesth Wesh
After serving in the United States Marine Corps, Herguesth Wesh joined Island Harvest's Workforce Skills Development Institute Spring 2025 cohort to build a career in warehousing and logistics.
His dedication quickly stood out. Herguesth earned all six industry-recognized credentials offered through the program, maintained outstanding attendance despite a long commute, and was chosen by his classmates as the student speaker at graduation. He was also recognized with citations from his local congressman.
Soon after graduating, Herguesth launched his career with Visiontron, where his strong work ethic earned him a promotion before completing his probationary period.
Herguesth's journey is a powerful example of how determination, opportunity, and hard work can lead to lasting career success. Congratulations, Herguesth!
For more information on Island Harvest’s Workforce Skills Development Program, call (631) 873-4775 x276 or email Workforce@islandharvest.org
Employer Partners
Workforce Skills Development Institute proudly partners with leading Long Island business to provide training, support, and employment opportunities to our students and graduates:
Program Sponsors
Island Harvest Workforce Skills Development Institute is generously sponsored by:
Workforce Development Institute Team
Maria Arianas – Chief Workforce Development Officer
Sonja Lyles – Workforce Development Senior Career Coordinator
Bella Green – Workforce Coordinator
Contact: (631) 873-4775 x276 or x108 email Workforce@islandharvest.org