White House recognizes Syracuse Build program among ARPA-funded initiatives

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The White House recognized the program Syracuse Build in a recent news release about the administration’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded initiatives.

The release cited Syracuse and the Syracuse Build’s “Pathways to Apprenticeship” program among “best practices” examples of using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to build a diverse and skilled infrastructure workforce, CenterState CEO said.

Syracuse Build is a mayoral initiative, housed within CNY Works and supported by CenterState CEO’s Work Train. The program has helped residents get involved in pre-apprenticeship programs and secure credentials in “high-demand” sectors. They include construction; electrical mechanics; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); advanced/high-tech manufacturing; commercial driving; and software development.

“Syracuse Build’s ongoing effort to build a robust and inclusive workforce pipeline has made an important impact around the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County, and neighboring counties across New York State,” Christopher Montgomery, director of Syracuse Build, said. “The White House, and various states around the country rightfully recognize it as a model for building a diverse and skilled infrastructure workforce. Syracuse Build’s programs are diversifying the talent pipeline by training, placing, and retaining workers through construction-related opportunities. We look forward to continuing this important work and creating necessary pathways for in-demand local careers in construction.”

“It is deeply rewarding to see the innovative workforce programming being done through Syracuse Build recognized on a national scale,” added Dominic Robinson, VP of economic inclusion at CenterState CEO.

Syracuse Build’s signature program — Pathways to Apprenticeship — on July 15 graduated the program’s third class.