New York Power Authority & Northland Workforce Training Center celebrate launch of new automotive technician program

New program to strengthen pipeline of skilled automotive service technicians, support local student career development

√ See photos and video of automotive lab

New York Power Authority Press Release

The New York Power Authority and Northland Workforce Training Center on Wednesday celebrated the launch of a new automotive technician program designed to narrow the skill gap for local labor trained in the auto industry. The program – developed in collaboration with SUNY Erie Community College – is currently supporting 30 students who will be awarded college credits and a certificate upon course completion.

“The launch of this innovative automotive technician program represents the Power Authority’s latest support for Northland Workforce Training Center as part of an ongoing partnership that that continues to strengthen Buffalo's workforce,” said New York Power Authority Chairman and Buffalo resident John R. Koelmel. “The public-private partnerships responsible for developing this program exemplify why Buffalo is known as the ‘City of Good Neighbors.’ NYPA is proud to have contributed to the development of this program, which will provide local students with the skills and training needed in today’s automotive industry and support the economic vitality of our community.”

“The automotive technician program has the opportunity to have a positive impact and be transformative for residents on the east side of Buffalo,” Northland Workforce Training Center President and CEO Stephen Tucker said. “I’d like to thank NYPA, West Herr, and Northtown Auto for their contributions and support. We’re excited to offer this program in partnership with SUNY Erie, and look forward to supporting residents interested in pursuing outstanding careers within the automotive sector.”

Northland’s unique automotive technician program combines classroom curriculum with hands-on educational sessions in a new, state-of-the-art auto tech lab, providing students with a robust training experience to support future careers in the automotive industry. The program’s curriculum was developed by SUNY Erie Community College, Northtown Automotive and West Herr Auto Group advised on the development of the auto lab. In September 2023, NYPA awarded Northland $1,174,600 in funding to support the program, which cost more than $4.3 million to implement.

“Northland Workforce Training Center's automotive technician program aligns with the Power Authority’s commitment to foster technology and energy education and job training in underserved communities throughout New York,” NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said. “This program, supported by more than $1 million in NYPA funding, will help bridge the skills gap in the automotive sector, and ensure local students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

The 30 students currently enrolled in the program are expected to complete the course in August. Northland is currently accepting applications for the fall semester, which starts in September.

This announcement builds on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s efforts to support workforce development centers throughout New York.

Northland Workforce Training Center is an industry-driven, public-private partnership between employers, educational institutions, community and faith-based organizations, and state and local government focused on closing the skills gap of the local labor pool and creating economic on-ramps to training, co-ops, internships, apprenticeships and permanent employment for Western New Yorkers. Northland is an extension campus for SUNY Erie Community College and Alfred State and offers programs in mechatronics, welding, electrical and machining. Since its inception, Northland has prepared more than 1,300 Western New Yorkers for careers in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

The Power Authority is committed to supporting historically underserved and marginalized communities located near its statewide facilities and assets. In 2016, NYPA provided $15 million in funding to support the development of Northland, which has served as a cornerstone for the economic revival of east Buffalo. Northland’s development was also supported by $23 million from Empire State Development directly to the Northland Workforce Training Center, as well as more than $30 million from ESD for other facilities across the campus. Last year, NYPA donated a 2017 Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle (EV) charger and a mix of associated EV shop tools to Northland for use in its forthcoming clean energy center.

“The Northland Workforce Training Center and the New York State Power Authority have been great partners in this venture,” said Dr. Adiam Tsegai, SUNY Erie Community College president. “I also appreciate the continuous support we receive from our state and local leaders. This model puts students first, meeting them where they are. By utilizing practical, hands-on technical training with an uncompromising academic program, students have a direct pathway to in-demand careers and economic mobility. I was so happy to be a part of this partnership at its start, because I could see the great potential and the opportunity to create a win-win for our students and our industry partners.”

Vice President of Fixed Operations at West Herr Automotive Group Jay Galligan said, "The demand for automotive technicians has increased significantly over the past decade. Industry and education must be aligned for this skilled trade to grow and evolve with the technology and demand. The Northland program brings together SUNY Erie and industry partners like West Herr to ensure relevant training is being provided to students who will graduate with employment-ready skills. The lab and classrooms are set up to support direct, hands-on learning, providing a great head-start. We are honored to be part of this partnership and look forward to the future success this program will bring for our community."

Director of Fixed Operations at Northtown Automotive Companies Bill Holm said, “The Northtown Automotive Companies are proud to have had the opportunity to contribute towards the development and success of this worthy endeavor. Northtown takes an active approach towards addressing the staffing needs of the automotive industry and has benefited directly from our relationship with the Northland Workforce Training Center, as well as through our role as an extension campus for SUNY/ECC. The unique and innovative curriculum being offered through this collaboration will benefit both the industry and the City of Buffalo by providing not only training, but a career path to success.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Northland Workforce Training Center is the state’s signature workforce initiative – and fast becoming a model for other communities to emulate. The new automative technician program at Northland is another example of the public and private sector coming together to help fill a critical regional workforce need, and to do so in a manner that creates real opportunities for our most underserved communities.”