New York Construction Report staff writer
The Capital Region, Finger Lakes, and Mohawk Valley have been selected to advance to the planning stage of the state’s One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) initiative.
The ON-RAMP initiative, introduced in the 2024 State of the State Address, was included in the FY25 Enacted Budget, with up to $40 million available to each region for the establishment of training centers. These centers will provide training, internships, apprenticeships, and job placement in sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, robotics, and clean energy.
The initiative is part of New York’s plan to address workforce shortages while supporting the growth of advanced industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, driven by investments from companies like Micron and GlobalFoundries.
Each region will receive up to $300,000 in planning grants to develop detailed proposals for their centers. Upon finalizing business plans, the centers will be eligible for up to $40 million in implementation funding. The training model will be based on the Northland Workforce Development Training Center in Buffalo, which has been successful in overcoming barriers such as transportation, childcare, academic readiness, and affordability.
Capital Region’s proposal
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) will lead the Capital Region’s ON-RAMP center, which will be located at the former College of Saint Rose campus in Albany. The center will offer technical training, soft skills development, and wraparound services aimed at meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as semiconductor, energy, and biotech. The center will collaborate with local industry partners, including GlobalFoundries, Plug Power, and General Electric, to ensure a direct pipeline of trained workers.
“We are thrilled to lead the Capital Region’s ON-RAMP center, which will offer essential support for individuals to develop the skills needed to succeed in high-growth industries,” said Mark Eagan, President and CEO of the Center for Economic Growth.
Finger Lakes’ plan
Monroe Community College (MCC), in partnership with RochesterWorks, will lead the ON-RAMP center in the Finger Lakes region. Located at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center in downtown Rochester, the center will provide training in advanced manufacturing, semiconductor development, robotics, and clean energy manufacturing. Regional employers, including Plug Power and Bausch & Lomb, will partner to provide training and employment opportunities. MCC will also collaborate with other community colleges and regional workforce development boards to expand training access.
“Monroe Community College is excited to play a key role in the Finger Lakes ON-RAMP center and help prepare workers for the region’s thriving manufacturing sector,” said Dr. DeAnna R. Burt-Nanna, President of Monroe Community College.
Mohawk Valley’s strategy
Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) will redevelop the soon-to-be-vacant Science and Technology building at its Utica campus to house the Mohawk Valley ON-RAMP center. The facility will offer low-cost, no-cost, and work-and-learn training models, focusing on engaging marginalized populations and ensuring job placement upon completion. MVCC will also expand its successful workforce programs, such as the Free Fast Track program, within the new center. The facility’s strategic location near major employers like Danfoss and Indium will support the region’s manufacturing industry.
The ON-RAMP centers align with New York’s broader strategy to grow its semiconductor industry and prepare the state’s workforce for the high-tech jobs of the future. In 2022, New York passed the Green CHIPS legislation to position the state as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, and has since invested $45 million to establish the Governor’s Office of Semiconductor Expansion, Management, and Integration.
