CEG, acting on behalf of the Capital Region, was awarded funding from Empire State Development (ESD)’s ON-RAMP Program. The announcement took place on February 6, 2025 – View Press Release.
ON-RAMP FAQs
What is the ON-RAMP Program?
The primary goal of ON-RAMP is to connect diverse and skilled New Yorkers with careers in dynamic, high-growth advanced manufacturing industries. ON-RAMP centers will provide critical academic support proven to increase success in high-skilled training programs. Employers will be able to leverage ON-RAMP centers to develop training programs and find talent to fit their needs.
ON-RAMP will establish four new workforce development centers, including three chosen competitively, and a flagship location in Central New York. For the three competitively selected centers, including the Capital Region, ON-RAMP grant funding will cover: 1) a planning grant for development of a business plan for a regional ON-RAMP center; 2) a portion of operational expenses related to curriculum development and provision of trainee support services; and 3) a portion of capital needs for renovations, expansions, and/or construction costs related to the delivery of advanced manufacturing training.
What is the current state of the ON-RAMP award to CEG?
CEG is entering the Planning Phase of the ON-RAMP award and is actively seeking consultants to assist in the effort. Formal kick-off for planning purposes is expected to begin in June 2025 and is expected to take up to 6 months. Implementation will follow the completion of planning.
What will happen during the Planning Phase?
CEG, and its consultants, will be developing an operational plan for the ON-RAMP and conducting stakeholder outreach. Stakeholder participation includes but is not limited to a coordinating committee, training providers, service providers/community-based organizations, community members, and industry partners. Planning for the physical space will also take place during this time.
Overview of Proposed Concept
CEG, acting on behalf of the Capital Region, was awarded funding through the New York State ON-RAMP program. The goal of the planning phase of the project is to operationalize the regional concept. Outreach to a diverse cross section of stakeholders informed the initial concept, which includes the identification of underserved populations, training partners, service providers, community connectors, job placement partners, intake and referral processes, industry needs, and more.
As envisioned, the Capital Region ON-RAMP will establish a centralized flagship training facility designed to connect individuals from priority populations with in-demand careers at high-growth manufacturers. This facility will function as both a training center and a hub for coordinated support services – reducing barriers and streamlining pathways to employment. Early analysis identified the potential for adaptive reuse of a portion of a building at the former College of Saint Rose in the City of Albany.
At its core, the facility will house a Manufacturing Discovery and Training Center, designed to deliver skills identified by employers as critical gaps in the current workforce. Participants will engage with hands-on equipment and immersive technologies such as VR/AR to explore career opportunities and build job-ready skills.
Beyond training, the facility will also serve as the operational center of ON-RAMP, integrating essential services – including intake and assessment, case management, administrative functions, childcare coordination, system navigation, coaching, and co-located partner services. This all-in-one approach ensures participants receive the support they need to succeed throughout their training and into employment.
Through coordinated efforts, ON-RAMP partners will expand training capacity, align curriculum with industry needs, deliver wraparound supports, and facilitate recruitment to ensure individuals from underserved communities are connected to meaningful manufacturing employment. These partners include community colleges, BOCES, trade and industry training programs, Workforce Development Boards, health and social service providers (e.g., Healthy Alliance), childcare services (e.g., Brightside Up), and community-based organizations (e.g., United Way), all aligned with regional industry demand.
