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Part of the former College of Saint Rose campus in Albany will be transformed into a workforce training center. Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday (February 6) that the Center for Economic Growth will lead this initiative, aiming to provide technical job training in collaboration with companies like Plug Power, Regeneron, and GlobalFoundries.
The new center is part of the $200 million One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) program, which seeks to establish high-impact workforce development centers across New York. The initiative, first introduced in Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State, is included in the FY25 Enacted Budget. The program aims to connect New Yorkers with careers in advanced manufacturing industries, providing training, internships, apprenticeships, and permanent employment opportunities.
The Capital Region's ON-RAMP center will offer technical training, foundational skills, and essential wraparound services. The center will collaborate with industry partners, local trades, and workforce training providers to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the semiconductor, energy, and biotech industries. Regional manufacturing employment is at a 22-year high, driven by these sectors.
The ON-RAMP centers will follow a successful model developed by the Northland Workforce Development Training Center in Buffalo, designed to reduce barriers to education, such as transportation and childcare. The centers will also focus on engaging marginalized and underserved populations.
The project is expected to revitalize the area and provide thousands of New Yorkers with the opportunity to develop their skills and secure good-paying jobs. The planning phase will involve community and stakeholder engagement to develop a detailed blueprint for the center.
