Workforce Development and Resources

Allegany County’s three academic institutions – Alfred State, Alfred University, and Houghton College – provide businesses with easy access to a skilled workforce.  Serving over 7,000 students, the institutions produce more than 1,600 graduates annually.

Offering degrees ranging from associate to the doctoral levels, the region’s institutions provide exceptional post-secondary training in the skilled trades, business and finance, design, and research and development.

Alfred State is a showcase of high technology education with over 70 degree programs ranging from 22 bachelor and 50 associate degrees with a campus focused on applied technology.

Alfred University is one of 20 universities and laboratories to participate in the new Manufacturing Innovation Institute in Integrated Photonics as a public-private partnership to boost advanced manufacturing.

Houghton College is a major site for applied research/technology transfer through industry, government, and other research institutions.

Retooling the Southern Tier $15 M Grant

A partnership between four SUNY colleges, this grant will generate jobs and revenue and provide unprecedented local opportunities for training in advanced manufacturing. By 2022, Retooling the Southern Tier will introduce 2,340 jobs into the region, generating an estimated $26 million economic benefit for the area.

Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Center

The new $5 million (SAMC) at Alfred State will create a highly energy efficient facility to train students in state-of-the-art sustainable manufacturing techniques. In Western New York, innovation and entrepreneurship are making the region a national leader again in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and energy production.

Research Centers Serve Advanced Ceramic and Glass Materials Industry

Alfred University collaborates with industry through its Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology and Center for High Temperature Characterization.  A recent $7.74 million grant will build the Center for Advanced Ceramic Manufacturing and Education to further support the ceramics and glass industry through research, product development, and training opportunities.

Allegany County Employment & Training is a one stop center of the Cattaraugus /Allegany Workforce Development Board.

Services Include:

• On-the-job training for new employees
• Upgrade existing employees skills
• Listing job openings
• Screen and match potential applicants
• Skills testing: reading and math
• WIOA funding to pay for training in demand occupations