Revving Up Buffalo’s Future: New Auto Tech Program
Earlier this spring, NYPA and the Northland Workforce Training Center launched a new automotive technician program designed to help narrow the skill gap for labor trained in the Buffalo auto industry. The program—developed in collaboration with SUNY Erie Community College—is currently supporting 30 students who will be awarded college credits and a certificate upon completion of the course.
Northland’s program combines classroom curriculum with hands-on educational sessions in a new state-of-the-art auto tech lab, to support future careers in the automotive industry. The curriculum was developed by SUNY Erie Community College, and Northtown Automotive and West Herr Auto Group advised on the development of the auto lab.
“Northland Workforce Training Center's automotive technician program aligns with the Power Authority’s commitment to foster technology and energy education and job training in underserved communities throughout New York,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “This program, supported by more than $1 million in NYPA funding, will help bridge the skills gap in the automotive sector and ensure local students are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”
The 30 students currently enrolled in the program are expected to complete the course in August 2025. Northland is currently accepting applications for the fall semester, which starts in September 2025.
In September 2023, NYPA granted Northland $1,174,600 to support the creation of the auto tech program. This initiative reinforces NYPA's ongoing commitment to Northland's growth – in 2016, NYPA contributed $15 million to support Northland's development, establishing it as a cornerstone for the economic revival of East Buffalo.
This program builds on Governor Kathy Hochul’s efforts to support workforce development centers across New York State. In February, she announced that the Capital Region, Finger Lakes and Mohawk Valley were selected to advance to the planning stage of the $200 million One Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP) program.