A new workforce development initiative is funding clean energy apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in New York.
The training contract awarded through the state’s $45 million Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Initiative is developing a diverse pipeline of skilled workers to meet projected workforce needs of the clean energy sector. The effort is the result of a partnership between the New York State Energy Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Finishing Trades Institute of New York (FTINY).
New York needs skilled workers in all clean energy sectors, including renewable energy generation, building electrification, supply chain manufacturing and clean transportation, said Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA.
This initiative “reflects the strategic thinking of labor organizations as they work to meet the demand for needed workers through innovative and enhanced training for skilled workers focused on energy efficiency and construction technologies,” Harris said in a statement published by NYSERDA.
According to a report from the New York Clean Energy Industry, jobs in the clean energy sector will double overall statewide employment growth by 2023. According to the report, sectors of building decarbonization and energy efficiency remain “the largest source of clean energy employment, employing more than half of all clean energy workers in New York.”
Clean energy jobs in New York state totaled 178,000 in 2023, up 7.9% from 165,000 in 2022, according to the annual reports.
The partnership will address the needs of the clean energy workforce and provide “creative opportunities that strengthen our communities and ensure an inclusive energy transition,” said Joseph Azzopardi, FTINY Business Manager and District Council Secretary-Treasurer 9, in NYSERDA’s statement.
According to NYSERDA, at least 50% of students will come from disadvantaged communities across the state.
FTINY has partnered with the Finishing Trades Institute of Western and Central New York to hire and train apprentices and journeymen in the application of building envelope technologies and provide training for various pre -apprenticeship, including Opportunities Long Island, Multi-Craft Apprenticeship Preparation Program. (MAPP) Rochester and Non-Traditional Employment for Women (NEW) .
“At MAPP, we are deeply committed to empowering people with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in the clean energy sector,” says Kareem Berry, MAPP’s executive director. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission, and we’re excited about the potential it has to foster growth and innovation in our communities.”
The organizations are also developing a K-12 career outreach and outreach program for up to 2,000 students and 200 teachers and guidance counselors throughout New York. FTINY will also partner with the Edward J. Mallow Initiative for Construction Skills, a pre-apprenticeship program affiliated with the New York City Building and Construction Trades Council to host tours and training modules at its training center in Long Island City.
