NYS: Major workforce development program 'ON-RAMP' to provide $200 million toward job training & support for careers in rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing sector

FY25 enacted budget initiative creates regional training hubs across upstate to meet increasing need for high skilled workers in state’s growing advanced manufacturing industry

Press Release

Gov. Hochul recently announced the launch of her signature One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships program, a $200 million investment to help fund and realize a network of four new workforce development centers in strategic high-impact locations in upstate New York first announced as part of her FY25 enacted budget. The centers will bring together industry, academia, social services, and community organizations to provide high-quality, in-demand skills training and wraparound supports necessary to empower New Yorkers with the skills they need to take on careers in high-growth advanced manufacturing industries like semiconductors. Empire State Development developed and will manage the program.

“New York’s economic competitiveness is the result of our extraordinary workforce, striving every day to innovate, create and push the boundaries of what is possible,” Hochul said. “My ON-RAMP program marshals resources to our upstate communities to catalyze investments in manufacturing – and it’s already delivering for New Yorkers with tens of thousands of new jobs in the industries of the future coming right here to our state.”

Applications for regions to be selected for three additional “ON-RAMP” centers and receive planning grants to develop a full business and implementation plan are now open on the ESD website.

ESD President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Gov. Hochul’s leadership, Empire State Development is making smart, high-impact investments designed to expand the opportunity economy to all New Yorkers. The innovative ‘ON-RAMP’ program partners the needs of the growing industries that we are successfully attracting to New York with a workforce we are ‘ramping up’ – with skills and training – to be successful in the jobs of tomorrow.”

New York State Sen. Sean Ryan said, “New York is home to a growing advanced manufacturing industry, and we must ensure that we have the workforce needed to fill these good-paying jobs. Job training for these workers will ensure New York continues to move our economy forward and keep up our efforts to attract established businesses and start-ups from around the world.”

“ON-RAMP” will establish four new workforce development centers, including three chosen competitively, and a flagship location in Central New York, based in Syracuse. For the three competitively selected centers, ON-RAMP grant funding will cover:

√ VA planning grant for development of a business plan for a regional ON-RAMP center;

√ A portion of operational expenses related to curriculum development and provision of trainee support services; and

√ A portion of capital needs for renovations, expansions and/or construction costs related to the delivery of advanced manufacturing training.

“ON-RAMP” centers are expected to be established as fully sustainable entities that will not require ongoing support from ESD within five years of a center’s implementation funding.

Among other principles, each of the four regional training centers must:

√ Develop accessible and equitable pathways for priority populations;

√ Provide a curriculum and training models that reflects industry projections for advanced manufacturing job growth within the region;

√ Prove flexible to adapt services to meet changing industry needs and a dynamic global market;

√ Create career pathways for both entry-level and mid-skill workers for long-term sustainable employment;

√ Offer wraparound support for program participants;

√ And track outcomes to help measure programmatic success.