Ashby seeks state funding for transformational technology workforce hub at HVCC
ALBANY, N.Y. » Recently, New York State Sen. Jake Ashby (R, C-Castleton) wrote the governor and legislative leaders in both houses seeking construction funding for the Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) at Hudson Valley Community College in this year’s Enacted Budget.
The center will transform students into trained technicians ready to start rewarding careers in in-demand fields including advanced manufacturing, green energy, automotive and mechanical repair, and electrical work.
“ATEC will help students launch careers and give them a tangible reason to stay New Yorkers for decades to come. This is about helping firms meet their staffing needs so they can continue to thrive. It’s also about showing job creators across the country that we’re serious about workforce development in the Capital Region. I’m hopeful that my colleagues in both houses will be supportive, and I’m looking forward to working with the administration to get this done,” said Ashby.
There are currently 3.4 million open “middle-skill” jobs across the country- ones that require technical education beyond high school but don’t require a four-year degree. There is already an acute need for these positions in New York. According to the New York State Department of Labor, there will be 30,000 additional openings by the end of the decade.
The program is slated to matriculate 5,000 graduates in the first decade alone, generating billions in salary and corresponding investment.
Ashby credits Hudson Valley President Roger Ramsammy for setting the project up for success. His efforts to secure local, private and federal funding means state taxpayers will see a tremendous return on their investment.
“President Ramsammy hasn’t just identified workforce needs. He’s gotten real buy-in from leading regional firms. Regeneron, GlobalFoundaries and the Watervliet Arsenal are all committed to helping develop this curriculum because they want to grow local talent and invest in the Capital Region,” Ashby explained.
After a $15 million capital investment, the college would operate ATEC at no additional cost to the taxpayer.
“This is the definition of a smart, public-private partnership. It’s targeted, it meets a specific, existing need, it has opportunity for tremendous growth, and in President Ramsammy, it has the right person at the helm,” Ashby added.