Clean Energy Career Pathways Training Program

The Clean Energy Career Pathways Training Program Opportunity Notice 6121 is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, a state entity responsible for advancing clean energy innovation, workforce development, and emissions reduction across New York. This funding opportunity is designed to support the development and expansion of workforce training programs that prepare individuals for entry level careers in the clean energy sector. NYSERDA plays a central role in aligning workforce development initiatives with state climate and energy goals, and this solicitation reflects a strategic emphasis on building a skilled labor pipeline to meet growing industry demand. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to create scalable, industry driven training programs that combine technical instruction with career readiness and job placement support. Funded projects must deliver comprehensive programming that includes technical training in clean energy fields, career preparation such as job coaching and interview readiness, wraparound services like childcare and transportation assistance, and direct job placement services. These programs are intended to reduce barriers to employment and ensure participants can successfully transition into full time roles within the clean energy workforce. Funding is available for training across multiple clean energy technology areas, including energy efficiency and building electrification, renewable energy, energy storage, smart grid technologies, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. A significant portion of funding is reserved for energy efficiency and building electrification, reflecting statewide priorities and workforce demand. Allowable uses of funds include training delivery, curriculum development, equipment purchases for hands on training, certification and testing costs, internships, and job placement services. Projects must also include measurable outcomes, such as achieving at least seventy percent job placement for program graduates within six months of completion. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements, including being registered to do business in New York State, maintaining a physical presence within the state, and demonstrating prior experience in workforce training and job placement. Training programs must be delivered within New York and serve state residents. Applicants are encouraged to form partnerships with employers and other organizations to strengthen program design and ensure alignment with labor market needs. Projects must also prioritize inclusion by ensuring that at least half of participants come from disadvantaged communities or priority populations. The application process requires submission through NYSERDA’s online portal and includes multiple required components such as a completed application form, budget workbook, employer letters of commitment, and resumes of key personnel. Proposals are evaluated based on applicant qualifications, training program design, alignment with industry demand, budget justification, and the strength of job placement strategies. Following submission, applications are reviewed by a scoring committee, and decisions are typically communicated within six to eight weeks. Selected applicants enter contract negotiations prior to award. This funding opportunity operates on a rolling round structure with multiple submission deadlines across 2026 and 2027. Applications must be submitted by 3 pm Eastern Time on the specified due dates. Projects are expected to be completed within thirty months, including a required period for tracking participant outcomes after training completion. NYSERDA may retain a portion of funding until performance benchmarks are met and reserves the right to extend or increase funding depending on availability. The program reflects a recurring initiative aligned with long term workforce development goals in New York’s clean energy transition.

Strong employer partnerships and documented labor demand are critical to scoring success; proposals must clearly demonstrate ability to achieve 70 percent job placement and align training with industry needs