Northland Workforce Training Center

09/01/2026

Back in early June, we shared that Dion Dawkins was at Northland Workforce Training Center to take part in a fun project—and now, we’re excited to finally unveil it!

Dion and his film crew, Shnow TV, spent the day at Northland meeting with students and instructors and got an inside look at the hands-on training and skills individuals can gain by attending our programs.

We’re proud to have had Dion and the Shnow TV crew on campus, and we can’t wait for everyone to see this amazing video.

Be sure to watch and leave a comment letting us know: What movie was this video inspired by?

And most importantly, be like Dion and join the Northland family!

08/31/2026

On Friday, August 28, the staff at Northland Workforce Training Center spent the morning with our partners at Alfred State College and SUNY Erie Community College preparing for the upcoming fall semester!

This annual event allows our teams to connect and interact with colleagues we may not see every day. It’s also a chance to reflect on our progress over the past year, discuss what we’ve learned, and, most importantly, make sure our vision and goals are aligned as we prepare to welcome a new group of students.

We also had the pleasure of hearing from guest speaker Dr. Marck Abraham, CEO of MEA Consulting Services. During his presentation, Dr. Abraham reminded us of the importance of never forgetting our “why.”

For us, that “why” is simple: equipping our students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed in careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

We’re excited for the fall semester and look forward to another year of working together to help our students build brighter futures!

08/25/2026

At Northland Workforce Training Center, we strive to give our students every opportunity to succeed.

One way we do this is by hosting hiring events and inviting some of Buffalo’s leading manufacturing companies to meet with our students. These events allow students to showcase the skills and knowledge they’ve gained through our programs while connecting directly with potential employers.

We want to thank Jennifer Smith, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Moog, for her kind words about our students and Northland. Moog has provided many of our graduates with exciting career opportunities, and we’re grateful for their continued partnership and support!

08/24/2026

Last Monday, August 17, members of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board traveled to Buffalo and stopped by Northland Workforce Training Center for a tour!

Our Chief Operating Officer, Asantewa Holley, had the pleasure of guiding Chair Freida Foster, Juanita Perez, Sophonie Pierre-Michel, and Mo Sumbundu, Director of Community Relations for Western New York at the New York State Executive Chamber, around campus while discussing Northland’s programs and services.

We were proud to welcome these distinguished guests and highlight how Northland is helping local residents prepare for rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy!

08/21/2026

Last Friday, we officially wrapped up our 2026 Summer Youth Academy program! While we’re sad to see everyone go, we had an incredible summer and are so proud of everything these students accomplished.

Over the past six weeks, students got a firsthand look at the many career opportunities available in advanced manufacturing and clean energy. They spent time in our classrooms and labs, explored different career pathways, and even had the opportunity to create hands-on projects while learning along the way!

Each Friday, students also had the chance to visit businesses we proudly partner with and that play an important role in helping our graduates launch their careers. A big thank you to Moog Inc., Tesla, Northtown Automotive Companies, Watson Bowman Acme, and New York Power Authority for welcoming our students, giving them tours of your facilities, and helping them see what a career in these industries can look like. They also got to visit Griffis Sculpture Park & The Essex Arts Center and Frank Lloyd Wright's Graycliff.

Finally, we want to extend a huge thank you to our team at Northland Workforce Training Center who helped make this summer such a success. Thank you for welcoming these students, sharing your expertise, and introducing them to new career possibilities.

We’re already looking forward to next summer!

08/20/2026

This past Friday, August 14, we had the honor of hosting a celebration ceremony for the graduating classes of SUNY Erie Community College's Mechatronics and HVAC programs.

We were proud to recognize these students for their hard work and dedication as they celebrated this important milestone alongside their families, friends, and the Northland team.

Congratulations to all of our incredible graduates! We wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your careers. We’d also like to extend a big thank you to all of the instructors and staff who helped equip these students with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue successful careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

We’re excited to see all that you accomplish! 👏👏

08/19/2026

As a new semester approaches, we were excited to welcome the newest students joining SUNY Erie Community College's HVAC, Mechatronics, and Automotive Technology programs for orientation!

During orientation, students had the opportunity to learn more about Northland, meet their instructors and career coaches, explore their classrooms and labs, and participate in a fun icebreaker to get to know their fellow classmates.

We want to congratulate all our new students on taking the first step toward a brighter future! Through these programs, they’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to pursue rewarding careers in Advanced Manufacturing and Clean Energy.

We’re excited to have you here and look forward to supporting you every step of the way!

08/18/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the graduation of the 4th cohort of Tesla Gigafactory New York’s Manufacturing Development Program at Northland Workforce Training Center, with more than 50 students completing the program!

This program is critical in providing high school students with industry-driven curriculum, hands-on training, and real-world experience that will help prepare them for rewarding careers in manufacturing and clean energy.

We want to congratulate all the students not only for their hard work this summer, but also for taking the initiative to enroll in the Manufacturing Development Program and investing in their futures. They have gained valuable skills and experience that will help prepare them for their next steps in their careers at Tesla’s Gigafactory New York.

08/17/2026

We’re proud to share an article by Northland Workforce Training Center President & CEO Stephen Tucker, published by HR Morning.

In the article, Stephen explores the future of the workplace amid the rapid growth of AI and emerging technologies. While AI could displace a significant number of jobs, careers such as electrical, welding, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing continue to require adaptability, hands-on skills, and human judgment.

As the workforce evolves, helping displaced workers transition into new careers will require more than simply finding a new job. It will take retraining, career navigation, and, in many cases, a shift in professional identity.

In fact, some estimates suggest upwards of 300 million global workers, about 9% of the workforce, could be displaced by AI and related technologies in the

08/14/2026

Today we want to highlight a field trip a group of our Summer Youth Academy students to Watson Bowman Acme .

During their visit, students learned how Watson Bowman manufactures and designs expansion joint systems to meet the unique demands of projects around the world. They also had the opportunity to try virtual reality welding and tour the company’s warehouse.

A huge thank you to Watson Bowman for welcoming our Summer Youth Academy students, providing them with a hands-on learning experience, and, most importantly, hiring our graduates and helping them launch their careers. We truly appreciate your continued partnership and support!