Program & Initiative

Upstate Build

Locations vary
Syracuse, NY 13202
United States

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Upstate Build is a regional construction industry partnership led by CenterState CEO that expands the proven Syracuse Build model across Central and Upstate New York. The initiative brings together trade unions, training providers, and community organizations to strengthen the construction workforce pipeline and ensure that local residents are prepared for and prioritized in regional infrastructure and development projects.

With active sites in Oswego, Tompkins, and the Mohawk Valley, Upstate Build aligns local programs and partnerships under a shared framework that connects training to employment. Each site works with regional stakeholders to design and deliver programs that meet local workforce needs while advancing regional goals for equity and inclusion.

By coordinating recruitment, training, and hiring across multiple communities, Upstate Build is creating a unified system that increases access to quality construction careers, builds local capacity, and supports inclusive economic growth throughout Central and Upstate New York.

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Regional Partners

  • TradesFutures
  • NYS Building & Construction Trades Council
  • Oswego County Workforce Development
  • Ithaca Area Economic Development
  • Tompkins County Workforce Development
  • Working-Solutions
  • Utica Building Construction Trades Council
  • Tompkins Cortland Building Construction Trades Council
  • Binghamton Oneonta Building Construction Trades Council
  • SUNY Oswego
  • UNiCON Rochester

Programs and Pathways

Upstate Build is expanding local capacity to meet the region’s growing demand for construction workers while creating clear and inclusive pathways into the industry. In collaboration with regional trade unions and training providers, Upstate Build is increasing the number of apprentices entering the construction workforce and improving diversity within apprenticeship programs. Early results show strong outcomes in job placement, credential attainment, and employer engagement, positioning Syracuse Build as a scalable model for workforce development across New York State.

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