Monroe Community College (MCC) is a cornerstone of education and workforce development in the Finger Lakes region of New York. As part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) initiative, MCC is honored to lead the Finger Lakes-based ON-RAMP program alongside those in the Capital, Mohawk Valley, and Central New York regions.

The primary hub of the Finger Lakes ON-RAMP Center will be located at the Finger Lakes Workforce Development (FWD) Center located on MCC’s downtown campus. At the center, learners will earn industry recognized credentials and access to degree opportunities in high-demand advanced manufacturing areas such as robotics, mechatronics, automation, skilled trades, and optics. Internship and apprenticeship opportunities as well as support in obtaining permanent employment are also provided. The ON-RAMP Centers across the state will work together as a network, sharing insights, best practices, and partnership opportunities.

Key strengths of the Finger Lakes ON-RAMP Center are the robust relationships and collaborative spirit that already exist with regional partners, including SUNY Genesee Community College; Finger Lakes Community College; regional workforce investment boards such as RochesterWorks, GLOWworks, and Finger Lakes Works; and regional employers such as OptiMAX, Corning, and Edwards Vacuum. The center will serve as a centralized resource for employers in high-growth advanced manufacturing industries and job seekers pursuing training for careers in the advanced manufacturing industry.

“At MCC, we don’t just train individuals for jobs—we provide pathways to sustainable careers that will strengthen our regional economy,” said Dr. Robin Cole Jr., the college’s Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development and Career Technical Education. “Together with our regional partners, we develop training programs that lead to a living wage, and not only meet industry demands but also provide real opportunities for long-term career growth within the region.” 

The ON-RAMP initiative is not just about providing training, but also about fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. The center’s programs are designed to be responsive to the latest industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the future job market. This forward-thinking approach is crucial in a rapidly evolving industry like advanced manufacturing, where new skills and knowledge are constantly in demand.

The ON-RAMP initiative comes at a time when the Finger Lakes region needs to train thousands of mid-skilled workers for new positions created by the NY SMART-I Corridor Project, which seeks to solidify Upstate New York as the premiere semiconductor supply chain in the U.S. MCC, along with its partners, continues to build momentum to create strategic workforce development partnerships throughout the nine-county Finger Lakes region and remains committed to adapting programs to meet the evolving demands of the regional workforce.

Lead image: Governor Hochul makes an economic development announcement

Carly Rooney is Marketing Manager, Economic and Workforce Development and Career Technical Education, at Monroe Community College in Rochester, New York.

Opinions expressed in Member Spotlight are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the League for Innovation in the Community College.