Inclusive Growth

Workforce Innovation

Work Train, supported by CenterState is focused on helping workers access career opportunities and build wealth through family sustaining employment; helping employers succeed by connecting them to talent and supporting their talent development and retention strategies. Through collaborative partnerships, it establishes best practices and builds capacity within workforce-related systems to drive long term change.

 

Related News & Events

Image
BMC classroom
CEO News | 08/13/2025

Bridge to Manufacturing Careers Graduates Second Cohort

Bridge to Manufacturing Careers hosted the graduation ceremony for its second cohort at SUNY EOC.

Image
SCSD pathways group photo
Media Coverage | 08/01/2025

Syracuse Build's Pathways to Apprenticeship Graduates First Student Cohort

Sixteen students took part in the summer youth Pathways to Apprenticeship program, supported by CenterState CEO.

Image
Syracuse Build Pathways
CEO News | 07/28/2025

Regional Projects Bring More Construction Opportunity to Central New York

Syracuse Build supported by CenterState CEO is hosting information sessions on regional construction career pathways.

Image
Dr. Carlene Lacey
CEO News | 07/10/2025

CenterState CEO Appoints Dr. Carlene Lacey as Chief Executive Officer of ON-RAMP Syracuse

Following a comprehensive national search, CenterState CEO is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Carlene Lacey as the inaugural Chief…

Image
Aimee Durfee share insights into workforce opportunity and challenges at first NY Workforce Connect
Media Coverage | 06/11/2025

CenterState CEO's Aimee Durfee, Regional Workforce Partners Share Insights at NY Workforce Connect

CenterState CEO Vice President of Workforce Innovation Aimee Durfee joined other regional workforce development partners at the first NY…

Image
E.Z.R Braids pitch during Start It Bluepring 15 graduation
CEO News | 06/10/2025

CenterState’s INSPYRE Innovation Hub Introduces “Up Start Accelerator” to Fuel Local Business Growth

Up Start Accelerator is a new six-month intensive program designed to help Syracuse’s rising entrepreneurs maintain momentum while building…

Image
Pathways to Apprenticeship Cohort 8 Graduation
Media Coverage | 06/05/2025

CenterState CEO Workforce Innovation Efforts Featured on Syracuse.com

CenterState CEO's Aimee Durfee spoke with Syracuse.com about the organization's ongoing efforts to train Central New York residents for the…

Image
John Peter and Bernard Washington
CEO in Action | 05/14/2025

BeeJay's Experience is the Latest Growth + Equity Fund Grant Recipient 

Bernard Washington is the latest recipient of a mini-grant through CenterState CEO’s Growth + Equity Fund (G + E Fund).

Image
Greg Ayers Start It graphic
CEO News | 03/31/2025

In Conversation with Greg Ayers

Ahead of the Blueprint 15 cohort's graduation, Greg Ayers discussed what makes Start It! classes work and why the cohort he's teaching is…

Image
Gov Hochul Banner
Media Coverage | 03/28/2025

New York's First ON-RAMP Location Will Be On Syracuse's Southside

The flagship Hub will anchor a broader revitalization of the site and will serve as a critical gateway for both job seekers and…

Image
Sears Building
CEO News | 03/28/2025

Gov. Hochul Announces Selection of First Flagship ON-RAMP Site in Syracuse

Formerly known as the site of the Sears Building, 1300 South Salina Street has been selected as the future home of New York State’s first…

Image
Emad Start It Graphic
CEO News | 02/27/2025

In Conversation with Dr. Emad Rahim

Ahead of the North Side Learning Center cohort's graduation, Dr. Emad Rahim discussed what makes Start It! classes work and why the cohort…

Image
John Peter and Sarah Ausby in the CenterState CEO lobby
CEO in Action | 08/30/2024

Growth + Equity Fund Support Helps Entrepreneurs Bring Their Small Businesses to Life

The Growth + Equity Fund was designed to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses, like owner of Ma’s Wings and Things Sarah…

Image
Syracuse Surge Defense Visits Lockheed Martin
CEO News | 11/30/2023

Surge Defense To Graduate Its First Cohort in December

The Surge Defense program will graduate its first class in December, opening a new talent pool to an industry that needs skilled employees.

Image
SUNY Oswego Syracuse campus
CEO News | 08/31/2023

Help Train The Next Generation Of High Tech Workers

A vital part of CenterState CEO’s work to prepare the Central New York workforce for high-tech careers available in the region is relevant…

Image
Image From Ios (30)
CEO News | 07/02/2023

Become An Employer Partner to Help Diversify CNY’s Software Workforce

The Syracuse Surge Coding Apprenticeship is getting ready to host its second cohort in fall 2023, and CenterState CEO is looking for…

Image
Vtw Client Crop.jpeg
CEO News | 07/02/2023

Vehicles to Work: Getting People the Transportation They Need to Succeed

Good paying jobs and worthwhile careers are often difficult to access without reliable transportation. As a means to address this challenge…

Image
Sam Elm 1
CEO News | 05/31/2023

Syracuse Surge Programs Continue Preparing A Diverse Workforce For Career Opportunities

In response to continued employer demand for skilled talent, CentersState CEO has been closely working with community organizations and…

Image
Syracuse Surge Pop-Up 2023
CEO in Action | 05/10/2023

Driving Inclusive Tech Industry Growth Through Syracuse Surge

CenterState CEO is actively partnering with the city of Syracuse, Onondaga County and leading local institutions to advance several…

Image
AFI 2023
CEO in Action | 02/16/2023

Innovative Financing Supports XBE Business Growth While Addressing Community Needs - Ali Fix It Construction LLC

In early 2023, AFI was awarded one of the first Growth + Equity Fund loans through the CenterState CEO Foundation.

Image
Shawni Davis 2022
CEO in Action | 10/22/2022

Small Business Support Ecosystem Builds Capacity to Scale and Succeed - Luminary Electrical

CenterState CEO’s Surge XBE Exchange is providing technical assistance to help Luminary Electrical meet opportunities on its horizon.