Growing the Clean Energy Workforce (GCEW) Awardees

Overview

Through the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce (GCEW) Program, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) has issued about $5 million to eligible organizations to expand or create statewide clean energy training or pre-apprenticeship programs and provide wraparound services to participants in these programs.

Awardees

Name/Organization	Amount	How are they using the Funds
Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga BOCES	$305,900	Capital Regions BOCES electrical trades and HVAC programs will provide skills in: Electrical safety and theory; Construction codes; Low-voltage wiring; Switches, controls, and currents; Electric vehicle charging systems; Solar and window power systems; Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); Heat pumps; Residential low-pressure boilers; and Refrigeration and construction math. This technical training program will address projected workforce gaps by preparing workers for high-growth jobs and targets adult learners from various backgrounds and experiences, with priority to those from DACs. Capital Region BOCES will collaborate with its network of community partners to provide comprehensive wraparound services to participants, serving those who need it most.
Andromeda Community Initiative, Inc. (ACI)	$500,000	The program offers skills development and industry-recognized certifications in clean energy construction and climate-resilient building restoration. Skills to be acquired include general and green construction techniques, equipment operation, power and hand tool usage, masonry restoration, caulking, waterproofing, brick and stucco placement, cement work, light carpentry, silica awareness, flagger training, OSHA 30, electrical and plumbing systems, and roofing. ACI's commitment to its graduates extends beyond program completion, fostering long-term success through personalized support and advanced training opportunities, and equipping them with stackable skills and certifications for long-term career growth and higher earning potential.
Camille Gallo LLC	$500,000	The program will provide skills development in trade fundamentals, basic math for trades, tool mastery, workplace safety, technical skills application, sustainable construction methods, energy efficiency, and preparation for NYC Green Build certification. Beyond ensuring that participants secure employment in the clean energy workforce and thrive in their chosen careers, this program fosters a sense of community accountability through peer support groups and a holistic support system that addresses participants’ personal and professional needs, paving the way for successful program completion and meaningful employment. Additionally, participants are enrolled in an alumni network that offers mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to continuing educational resources.
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow Inc (OBT)	$500,000	The Renewable Energy & Sustainable Construction (RESC) pre-apprenticeship training curriculum offers skills development in one (1) of three (3) focused tracks that match participants’ interests and aspirations, providing essential and transferable skills, aligning with the renewable energy sector's growing demands in: Construction; Masonry; or Electrical. Participants will receive exposure to offshore wind and maritime systems, core energy sector knowledge (power/fuel generation, emerging tech, environmental stewardship), energy policy basics, and both technical and soft skills for entry-level clean energy roles. This program diversifies the clean energy workforce by preparing members of historically marginalized communities to become highly competitive job candidates, while addressing critical labor and skills shortages in the renewable energy and construction industry. OBT’s culturally-competent staff brings lived experience, deep community ties, and a nuanced understanding of local dynamics and employer needs, ensuring participants receive the support, knowledge, tools, and confidence needed to secure good jobs with family-sustaining wages and economic mobility.
Research Foundation of CUNY	$500,000	The Bridges to Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology pre-apprenticeship program will provide skills development in: Green building and construction (techniques and practices); Wind power (concepts of wind energy); Water power (types and usage of water power generation); Solar energy (panel systems); Earth: farming and stewardship (soil health and sustainable forestry); and Fire energy (geothermal energy methods). This program includes educating, empowering, and providing opportunities for NYC DAC residents to join the clean energy workforce. There is a need for more comprehensive and in-depth renewable energy programming for NYC residents, and this program will create pathways that lead to trainings and jobs in the renewable energy and sustainable technology labor sectors.
Social Enterprise and Training (SEAT) Center	$500,000	The SEAT Clean Tech curriculum will provide skills development in environmental concepts, construction, basic electricity concepts, basic engineering concepts, and mathematics. Some participants will receive in-depth geothermal industry training in excavation, geothermal grouting, and ground installation. SEAT Center strives to provide participants with an understanding of how the construction and clean energy industries relate to the communities in which they live, and how sustainable building practices provide opportunities for personal, professional, and social growth. Upon program completion, participants are prepared to move on to careers, post-secondary institutions, or apprenticeships. Partnerships with unions, employers, educational institutions, and civic organizations help set participants on career paths with good earning potential in high-growth industries.
The Fortune Society, Inc.	$500,000	The program will provide skills development in: Green building operations and maintenance, including HVAC repair; Basic green construction (carpentry, electrical, and plumbing); and Solar photovoltaics. This program begins with the trust The Fortune Society builds to serve this population. Its staff and leadership with lived experience serve as powerful role models and mentors for participants, and its employment partners are committed to doing their part towards meeting New York State's clean energy goals and preparing participants to be qualified candidates trained in clean energy construction, operations, and building maintenance.
United Way of Long Island	$500,000	Participants will acquire occupational skills including, but not limited to, thermodynamics, heating/cooling, renewables, thermography, pressure diagnostics, and combustion safety. The program will provide occupational skills cross-cutting in multiple industries, including the following 21st century green construction jobs, leading to Building Performance Institute (BPI) credentials: energy auditor, weatherization technician, home performance technician, photovoltaic solar installer, solar thermal heating installer, green building construction worker, specialty construction worker, and advanced framing/optimal value engineering. The Power Up! Wind, Solar, and Renewables training will help meet the demands of employers and reduce the business cost of hiring new workers by establishing a sustainable talent pipeline of ambitious young adults who are ready to work in the areas of clean tech, renewable energy, and green jobs.
US Ceiling Corporation	$339,653	This program has two pilot programs: AeroBarrier Air Sealing Certification Program: Understanding the principles of air sealing and its role in achieving green energy and sustainability goals; Learning to set up and operate AeroBarrier equipment effectively; Assessing building envelopes and identifying areas of air leakage; Performing pre and post-sealing blower door tests to measure air tightness; Gaining expertise in troubleshooting equipment and optimizing application for various building scenarios; Acquiring knowledge of building codes and certifications related to energy efficiency; and Communicating the value of air sealing to stakeholders, including homeowners, contractors, and policymakers. Energy Efficiency and Electrification Design Basics; Understanding the principles of electrification and energy efficient systems, and its role in achieving green energy and sustainability goals; Learning to measure and analyze electrification; Assessing building envelopes and identifying areas of air leakage; Performing pre-and post-sealing blower door tests to measure air tightness; Gaining expertise in troubleshooting equipment and optimizing application for various building scenarios; Acquiring knowledge of building codes and certifications related to energy efficiency; and Communicating the value of energy efficiency systems and electrification to stakeholders, including homeowners and contractors.
County of Westchester	$500,000	The program will provide skills development in: Heat pump installation basics; Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) compliance, emphasizing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and troubleshooting; Solar photovoltaic basics; Electrical safety, circuits, National Electrical Code standards, and residential services; and Plumbing installation, maintenance, and repair of various pipe systems with emphasis on code compliance and technical drawings. The program will be delivered in collaboration with the Westchester County Department of Social Services, creating opportunities for public assistance recipients to secure meaningful employment in the growing clean energy sector. The program will support on-the-job training opportunities, enabling clean energy employers to offset onboarding and mentoring costs. Westchester County will leverage its partnership with the Clean Energy Action Coalition, a collaborative effort to advance clean energy adoption in electricity generation, heating and cooling, and transportation, aligning with New York State's climate goals. Bringing together businesses, municipalities, and workforce leaders, the initiative focuses on reducing carbon emissions, promoting sustainability, and addressing energy and workforce challenges in the region.