Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Program

The Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Clean Energy Training Program Opportunity Notice (PON 5437) is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), a public benefit corporation that advances New York State’s clean energy and climate goals. NYSERDA plays a central role in implementing policies that support energy efficiency, renewable energy deployment, and workforce development, particularly with an emphasis on equity and access to economic opportunity. This funding opportunity is designed to support the development of a skilled workforce aligned with the State’s transition to a clean energy economy, while also addressing disparities in access to training and employment. The purpose of this program is to expand and strengthen a diverse, equitable, and inclusive pipeline of talent for clean energy careers. NYSERDA seeks to partner with bona fide labor organizations and affiliated training programs to create new or expand existing direct entry pre-apprenticeship programs, registered apprenticeship programs, and journey worker training programs. Funded initiatives must prepare participants for employment in key clean energy sectors, including building decarbonization, energy efficiency technologies, renewable energy systems, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Training programs must incorporate hands-on learning and technical instruction, ensuring participants gain practical skills aligned with current labor market demands. Funding is available for a range of eligible activities that build or expand training capacity. These include curriculum development, technical training delivery, equipment purchases for hands-on learning environments, virtual reality training tools, mobile training labs, mentorship programs, and outreach efforts. In addition, projects may include K-12 career awareness and outreach components that introduce students to clean energy career pathways. While NYSERDA funding is intended to support incremental or expanded activities, it cannot replace existing funding sources or support certain ineligible costs such as capital construction, software development, or routine operational expenses. Cost sharing is encouraged but not required. Eligibility is limited to training providers affiliated with bona fide labor organizations, including labor management committees, registered apprenticeship programs, and direct entry pre-apprenticeship programs recognized by the New York State Department of Labor. Applicants must be registered to do business in New York State, maintain a training location within the state, and be in good standing with relevant authorities. Applicants must also demonstrate a history of training and job placement in eligible clean energy technology areas or provide evidence of their capability to deliver effective training that meets workforce needs. All program activities, including recruitment and training, must occur within New York State and serve New York residents. Applications must be submitted online through the NYSERDA portal by 3 PM Eastern Time on specified round deadlines. The application requires completion of a standardized form, submission of a detailed budget, and a description of the proposed training program, including expected outcomes and alignment with eligible technology areas. Applications are reviewed by a scoring committee based on criteria such as applicant qualifications, training program design, budget reasonableness, and alignment with program priorities. Projects that prioritize participation from disadvantaged communities and priority populations receive additional consideration. This funding opportunity operates on a rolling, multi-round schedule with defined submission deadlines throughout each year. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and evaluated within approximately six to eight weeks after submission. Successful applicants receive a notice of award and enter into contract negotiations with NYSERDA. Contracts typically span approximately two years, and awardees must meet reporting requirements, including quarterly progress reports detailing training outcomes and participant demographics. The program is recurring in nature, with multiple funding rounds scheduled annually, subject to the availability of funds.

Emphasize training outcomes and workforce placement metrics; demonstrate alignment with clean energy labor demand; prioritize inclusion of disadvantaged communities and priority populations; provide clear and detailed budget justification