New York Consolidated Laws, Labor Law - LAB § 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.