Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Opens New Workforce Development Center

Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· formally opened its new Workforce Development Center on Thursday, creating a streamlined avenue that offers accessible services for job seekers and supports the long-term economic success of regional employers.

SUNY, federal, state and local leaders joined Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· President Dr. Brian Durant and other College administrators at the ribbon cutting of the Workforce Development Center, which will now serve as the primary source of employment services in Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County. The one-stop will house multiple career-focused agencies, creating a local epicenter benefitting job seekers, employers, and current employees looking to upskill.

Opening the state-of-the-art Workforce Development Center represents the completion of a critical strategic priority for Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· and demonstrates the College’s commitment to the area workforce and the future economic vibrancy of Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County, said Dr. Durant.

“The creation of the Workforce Development Center is a symbol of Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·’s confidence in the vitality of our local economy and the talent and promise of our workforce,” said Dr. Durant. “Each day at this Center, career-focused agencies will support the growth of our workforce and the prosperity of local businesses and industries. I appreciate the support of SUNY, the Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County Legislature, and everyone who believed in this project and its potential to help our communities.”

The Workforce Development Center, located at 248 Grant Avenue in the City of Auburn, will house Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·’s Office of Community Education and Workforce Development, along with Cornell Cooperative Extension. The Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Works Career Center, which includes the New York State Department of Labor and Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County Employment and Training, will also be located in the Workforce Development Center.

Those seeking services at the Center will find diverse opportunities, including career counseling, vocational training, job skills training, and employment services for adults, youth and dislocated workers. Resources for employers will also be available, including customized employee training.

“Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·’s new $6 million Workforce Development Center streamlines employment services and offers career training to support job seekers and meet the needs of our local economy,” said Representative John W. Mannion, NY-22nd District. “I thank President Durant for sharing my commitment to building the workforce of the future and ensuring the region is well-positioned for Micron. In the state legislature, I more than doubled the funding for apprenticeship and career training programs. I look forward to working with NY-22 stakeholders to build on this record of success in Congress so the next generation has the skills they need to succeed and stay right here in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley.” 

“The new Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· Workforce Development Center will serve as a vital resource, helping people gain the skills they need to secure meaningful employment. The job search process can often feel overwhelming, filled with stress and uncertainty. However, by utilizing this tool, job seekers can streamline their job search, gain valuable knowledge, and approach potential employers with confidence. Thank you to everyone involved in making this Center a reality, and I look forward to the positive impact it will have on the Central New York community,” said Senator Rachel May, 48th District.

Diverse community partners supported the establishment of the Workforce Development Center. Cornell Cooperative Extension generously donated the building to Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·, and additional financial support for the project came from SUNY, the Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County Community College Foundation, the Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ· County Legislature, a Regional Economic Development Council consolidated funding application, and local philanthropic organizations.