New York State continues to solidify its position as a global hub for advanced manufacturing with the launch of the One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) program.
As a $200 million investment, ON-RAMP aims to address the increasing demand for skilled workers while promoting equitable access to high-quality training across Upstate New York. The initiative will create a network of four workforce development centers strategically located to drive economic growth, including a flagship facility in Syracuse.
The ON-RAMP program seeks to connect diverse, skilled individuals with careers in rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing sectors. These centers will provide crucial academic support that has been proven to enhance the success of trainees in high-demand skill areas.
The program will equip workers with the tools they need to enter long-term, sustainable employment by fostering strong partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and local communities. Employers, in turn, can leverage the program to develop tailored training programs that align with their specific workforce needs.
Upstate New York has become a magnet for semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. From significant investments by Micron, GlobalFoundries, and Wolfspeed to the federal Tech Hub designations of cities like Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo, the region is experiencing unprecedented growth. Micron’s $100 billion investment alone is poised to create upwards of 50,000 new jobs, many of which will require the highly specialized skills that ON-RAMP centers are designed to provide.
However, while the demand for talent is at an all-time high, many communities remain underrepresented in these industries. The program aims to address this gap by creating accessible pathways for individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to participate in the region’s manufacturing boom.
The ON-RAMP program will fund the creation of four workforce development centers, including three selected through a competitive process. For the competitively awarded centers, ON-RAMP grant funding will cover three primary areas:
This model ensures that each center is fully equipped to provide relevant, industry-aligned training that adapts to changing needs and technologies within the advanced manufacturing sector.
The ON-RAMP program will establish three additional workforce centers in the Capital Region: Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, or Southern Tier regions. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, workforce development boards, chambers of commerce, community colleges, and other technical education providers.
Initial funding includes up to $300,000 for planning grants and up to $40 million for implementation, covering operational and capital costs. Each selected region will be required to demonstrate a 10% match for capital and operational funding during the planning phase and a 20% match during implementation.
Applications for the ON-RAMP program will be accepted until December 2, 2024. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a track record in workforce development, coalition building, and working with priority populations.
One of ON-RAMP's core goals is to ensure the long-term sustainability of these workforce development centers. Each center is expected to become fully self-sustaining within five years of receiving implementation funding, ensuring their ongoing contribution to the regional economy without continued state support.
The program will foster partnerships between industry, education, and government, helping secure New York’s future as a leader in advanced manufacturing while promoting inclusive economic growth.
