New York State will invest $4 million to support clean energy workforce development programs aimed at preparing more than 750 residents for jobs in the growing clean energy sector, Governor Kathy Hochul announced.
The funding, approved by the New York Power Authority board of trustees, will be distributed to 7 organizations across the state to support training, skills development and job placement in fields tied to renewable energy, clean transportation and energy efficient construction.
State officials said the investment is intended to expand access to good paying careers while strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries. The programs are designed to align training with employer demand and to support workers through career readiness services and job placement assistance.
The largest award, totaling $1.4 million, will go to the Bronx Green Job Center and the Knowledge House, led by Fordham University, to support initial training programs at a regional hub focused on clean energy workforce development. Brooklyn based Welder Underground will receive $740,000 to expand advanced welding and fabrication training tied to high demand trades.
Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 1822 in Massena will receive $635,000 to strengthen pre apprenticeship pathways in the construction trades. Workers Justice Project in Brooklyn will receive $465,000 to provide training for emerging clean mobility careers, with a focus on safety and technical skills.
Additional funding includes $300,000 for City College of New York to launch a pilot program preparing workers for electric vehicle charging infrastructure careers, $260,000 for the New York City District Council of Carpenters to enhance advanced apprentice training in energy efficient construction, and $200,000 for Building Skills NY to expand construction career training that integrates green building practices.
Officials at the New York Power Authority said the awards are part of a broader commitment to invest up to $25 million annually in clean energy workforce development, as outlined in the 2023 to 2024 enacted state budget. Including this round, more than $45 million has been obligated for clean energy training programs supporting thousands of trainees and more than 30 organizations statewide.
The initiative works closely with the New York State Department of Labor to connect workers with in demand jobs and places particular emphasis on serving communities that have been historically underrepresented in the energy and construction sectors. The Power Authority also provides guidance on curriculum development and hands on technical training to ensure programs meet industry needs.
The announcement builds on recent workforce initiatives announced by the governor, including a December 2025 commitment for $40 million in new annual funding over 4 years to develop the workforce needed for advanced nuclear energy projects in upstate New York.
State officials said the clean energy workforce investments complement broader efforts launched in 2022 through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development at Empire State Development, which supports industry driven training programs across high growth sectors. To date, nearly $70 million in state grants has leveraged an additional $71 million in public and private funding to support training for an estimated 14,500 New Yorkers.
Leaders from labor organizations, educational institutions and economic development agencies said the funding will help create clearer pathways into stable careers while supporting the state’s long term clean energy and economic goals.
