N.Y. Labor Law § 820: Statement of public policy

§ 820. Statement of public policy. There are persons who lack the

academic and career education and training necessary to obtain and hold

employment in the contemporary economy because of dislocations arising

from automation and other technological developments, foreign

competition, relocation of industry, shifts in market demands, and other

changes in the economy. The skills of many other persons who are

currently employed are being rendered obsolete by such dislocations in

the economy. Unless such persons are given appropriate career and

related education and training, many of them and their families are

doomed to lifelong unemployment or underemployment and dependency on the

aid, care and support of the welfare agencies of the state and its

political subdivisions; with appropriate career and related education

and training; many of them would become qualified for occupational

categories which remain unfilled because of shortages of qualified

personnel.

Accordingly, it is the purpose of this act to authorize the state

government to develop programs of career and related education and

training which will permit persons who face the hazards of unemployment

and underemployment to develop skills which are useful in the

contemporary economy and to assist such persons to participate in such

programs.