NEW YORK STATE ENERGY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
$2.5 Million Awarded To Three Clean Energy Workforce Training Projects

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today (Feb 13) announced $2.5 million in awards to three clean energy workforce training projects. The training contracts were awarded through the State's $45 million Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative to help develop a diverse and inclusive pipeline of skilled talent to meet projected workforce needs of the clean energy sector while increasing access to family-sustaining jobs. Today's announcement advances an equitable transition to a clean energy workforce with at least 50% of trainees to come from disadvantaged communities across the state.

NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, "Trained professionals across the state are building New York's clean energy economy from the ground up. These new partnerships will help lead the way forward with new training initiatives that help equip current and future generations of workers with the skills needed bring innovative building solutions and emerging technologies to the forefront of the State's energy transition."

Together, the awarded training projects support pathways to clean energy careers, helping to train more than 1,000 apprentices and journey workers, with at least half coming from disadvantaged communities , as defined by the New York Climate Justice Working Group, and priority populations such as veterans, transitioning fossil fuel workers, and low-income New Yorkers.

The awarded projects include:

• Plumbers Local 1 will prepare 400 apprentices and journey workers for the installation and maintenance of heat pump water heaters and their associated temperature maintenance systems. NYSERDA funding will help support curriculum development as well as the design and installation of large-scale, residential and commercial heat pump water heater training equipment.
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 28 will prepare 350 apprentices and journey workers with hands-on training and certification in duct leakage, indoor air quality, and testing and balancing of temperatures, airflow, and other characteristics within HVAC systems by developing a Testing and Balancing (TAB) lab for their training center. NYSERDA funding will also help develop a mobile TAB lab for recruitment, demonstrations, and small instructional sessions which will be further used as part of Local 28's K-12 career awareness and outreach program.
• Insulators Local 12 will train 280 apprentices and journey workers on insulation and thermography, a process that can help identify areas of energy loss in buildings and homes through the purchase of equipment and development of curriculum. NYSERDA funding will help develop and implement a K-12 career awareness and outreach program, which will include custom tailored materials subdivided into K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 segments, distributed to more than 1,000 schools across New York State.

New York State Building Trades President Gary LaBarbera said, "For our upcoming clean energy projects to reach their full potential, they must not only advance our collective climate goals but also create good paying union careers for hardworking New Yorkers. This can only happen if we remain dedicated to developing a highly skilled workforce to meet the needs of this growing sector and generating more opportunities for skilled laborers to pursue the middle class via these newly paved pathways. This is why we applaud NYSERDA for continuing to invest in training for our tradesmen and tradeswomen so that they are fully equipped to push these important projects forward, all while supporting their families and reinvesting in their own communities."

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento said, "I commend NYSERDA for investing in workforce training to help meet the demands of New York's growing clean energy sector. Union apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs are critical for achieving the goals laid out in the CLCPA; and they create new opportunities for working families, which are necessary to ensure a just transition."

Local 1 UA Plumbers and Gas Fitters Business Manager Paul O'Connor said, "Working with NYSERDA on this transformative project is an incredible opportunity for UA Plumbers and Gas-fitters Local 1. We are thrilled to be at the forefront of training our members in the design, installation, and maintenance of Heat Pump Water Heaters and their associated systems. This initiative ensures that our members are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy sector. By further developing our specialized curricula and procuring state-of-the-art training equipment, we are setting a new standard for excellence in our industry."

Local 28 Sheet Metal Workers President and Business Manager Eric Meslin said, "We are thrilled about this collaboration with NYSERDA. The Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative is a vital alliance for advancing New York's climate goals while promoting workforce equity through exceptional clean energy apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs that offer a clear route to securing middle-class union jobs. The introduction of the mobile TAB lab will enable Local 28 to engage a broader, more diverse community, ensuring the delivery of the highest quality craftsmanship for the future. This award marks a crucial advancement in creating a skilled unionized workforce to address the increasing demands of the clean energy sector. We commend NYSERDA for recognizing this need and investing in clean energy training projects."

Local 12 Heat and Frost Insulators Business Manager John Jovic said, "Heat and Frost Insulators Local 12 thanks and congratulates NYSERDA for its vision in supporting the training of the workforce of the future and developing the technologies that will save New York State millions and millions of dollars in energy costs. This partnership will also allow Local 12's already strong apprenticeship and journey person programs to create career opportunities for the jobs of the future. It's an exciting opportunity."

The three projects join the recently awarded partnership with the Finishing Trades Institute of New York (FTINY), for a total of four projects being awarded over $3 million through Round 1 of the Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative administered by NYSERDA. The initiative provides funding to expand the capacity of labor organizations to offer training as a pathway to clean energy careers. Applications are still being accepted and additional submission opportunities and deadlines can be found on NYSERDA's website .

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "As our clean energy sector continues to grow, we must ensure New Yorkers from all communities have the skills they need to succeed in the jobs of tomorrow. Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships continue to open doors to good-paying careers without the burden of student debt. I applaud our partners in organized labor for working with us to deliver wins for workers, businesses, and the green economy."

Senator Kevin Parker said, "Addressing climate action, clean energy and economic growth go hand-in-hand. I am pleased to see NYSERDA working with labor organizations to create training and apprenticeship opportunities to support the jobs of the future required to build a clean, equitable, and resilient economy. A skilled and well-prepared workforce will ensure a sustainable, resilient future for New York."

Senator Jessica Ramos said, "I applaud NYSERDA for using their focus on our just transition to connect New Yorkers with family-sustaining careers. This is how we build a nation-leading union climate economy that we all can be proud of. I urge all New Yorkers looking for work to explore these opportunities to earn while they learn, and play an active role in our green energy future."

Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, "This funding to support New York City workforce training projects in the clean energy sector is timely and welcome. Workforce development has long been a high priority of mine and it is critical that we provide all New Yorkers with access to good-paying jobs as we continue developing our clean energy infrastructure. I look forward to seeing programs like this funded across New York State."

Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, "As Assembly Labor Chair, I commend NYSERDA's strong partnership with union labor to ensure New York has the highly-skilled and prepared workforce required for the growing clean energy sector economy. With investments from the State's Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative, Plumbers Local 1, Sheet Metal Workers Local 28 and Insulators Local 12 will connect more than 1,000 apprentices and journey workers to middle class careers, ensuring a just transition to the clean energy workforce and new opportunities for those who have been disenfranchised from our economy."

Today's announcement advances NYSERDA's commitment of more than $180 million for clean energy workforce development, which prioritizes benefits to priority populations and disadvantaged communities. This portfolio of talent pipeline programs includes Energy Efficiency and Clean Technology Training, Offshore Wind Training, and On-the-Job Training supporting the ramp-up of clean energy businesses and hiring of skilled talent. Additional information can be found on NYSERDA's website.

Those interested in learning more about clean energy jobs are encouraged to visit NYSERDA's "Energizing Your Future" website which provides an overview of various clean energy career paths to help individuals determine suitable fields.

Funding for this initiative is through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Clean Energy Fund.

New York State's Climate Agenda

New York State's climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation, and waste sectors.

NYSERDA

Since 1975, NYSERDA has been working to advance New York's energy system and economy. As a public benefit corporation, NYSERDA has served as an objective source for information and technical expertise to drive innovation and investment. NYSERDA professionals have worked for the past 50 years to protect the environment and help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , YouTube , or Instagram .