On July 15, 2015, New York State unveiled plans for the $44 million Western New York Workforce Training Center, a new hub focusing primarily on training for careers in the advanced manufacturing and energy sectors. It is called the "Northland Workforce Training Center," the facility is being funded with $29 million from the Buffalo Billion and $15 million from the New York Power Authority.

The approximately 100,000-square-foot facility houses administrative space, classrooms, and industrial shops/labs designed to train and turn out highly-skilled members of the local workforce to meet the requirements of the 21st century advanced manufacturing and electric utility industries.  With technical support by the University at Buffalo's Regional Institute, ESD developed a business plan for the Center targeted to best provide workforce training opportunities to the traditionally most underrepresented groups in the city's workforce.  The instructional staff/curricula components of the center will be provided by three SUNY institutions (Erie Community College, Alfred State College and Buffalo State College). 

The Center was created through the adaptive reuse of a portion of a historic industrial structure at 683 Northland Avenue-the former Clearing Niagara Plant-and will serve as the anchor tenant of the Northland Beltline on Buffalo’s East Side. Click here to learn more about the Northland Beltline Development.