Growing Industries
Long Island has significant opportunities in emerging industries that offer good wages and career advancement potential.
Offshore Wind
New York is targeting 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035, with Long Island at the center of this emerging industry:
- South Fork Wind already operational off Montauk
- Port infrastructure investments at Port Jefferson, Montauk
- Supply chain manufacturing opportunities
- Operations and maintenance careers
Healthcare
Healthcare is Long Island's largest employment sector and continues growing due to population aging:
- Hospitals: Stony Brook, Northwell, Catholic Health
- Home health aides: Fastest-growing occupation
- Medical technicians and support staff
- Healthcare administration
Technology and Biotechnology
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory research
- Stony Brook University innovation hub
- Defense and aerospace contractors
- Cybersecurity and IT services
Workforce Development
Skills-Based Hiring
Major employers are increasingly dropping degree requirements for many positions, focusing instead on demonstrated skills. This opens opportunities for workers with non-traditional backgrounds who have developed skills through experience, certifications, or alternative training.
Training Programs
| Program Type | Provider | Career Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeships | Building trades unions, IBEW | Electrician, plumber, carpenter |
| Community college | Suffolk County CC, Nassau CC | Nursing, IT, business |
| Certificate programs | BOCES, private providers | Medical coding, HVAC, CDL |
| Employer partnerships | Direct hire programs | Industry-specific training |
Clean Energy Workforce
- Solar installer training programs
- Heat pump technician certification
- Electric vehicle service training
- Energy auditor credentials
- Building performance contracting
Connecting Workers to Jobs
Career Services
- One-stop career centers with comprehensive services
- Resume assistance and interview preparation
- Job fairs connecting employers and job seekers
- Sector-based job matching
Support Services
Many workers face barriers beyond skills that prevent employment:
- Childcare assistance for working parents
- Transportation to suburban job sites
- Credential recognition for foreign-trained professionals
- Second-chance hiring for those with records