Albany, NY - April 18, 2014 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced more than $500,000 is still available in job training grants through the Clean Energy On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, which helps eligible businesses develop green job skills in their workforce. To date, the program has already awarded 64 businesses over $2.2 million to train workers across the state, with more than 250 workers hired through the grant funding.
"New York is proud to be a national leader in clean energy and our workforce is critical to the industry's success," Governor Cuomo said. "Providing funding for job training grants is an important tool the State offers to help workers develop the skills needed to excel in this rapidly-evolving field, and I encourage interested businesses to apply today and take advantage of these resources."
The Clean Energy OJT program was developed through a partnership between the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the State Department of Labor (DOL), and provides participants with skills in energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Businesses can receive 50 percent of the wages paid to new hires during their training period, with a maximum award per trainee of $15,000 and a maximum award per business of $150,000. To be eligible, businesses must have a current Partnership Agreement or contract agreement with NYSERDA or a participating investor-owned utility.
DOL works with NYSERDA to help facilitate this program by performing due diligence on all businesses interested in participating in the program. In addition, DOL works directly with businesses to provide job development and job-matching services as well as develop training plans for new hires that become the basis of the contract with NYSERDA.
State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera said, “Every day, more New York citizens and businesses are moving toward renewable and efficient energy options. This program helps position our workforce to make the most of New York going green.”
NYSERDA President & CEO John B. Rhodes said, “NYSERDA is pleased to work with the State Department of Labor in making sure New Yorkers have an opportunity to get critical on-the-job training to support the growing economic activity and demands of the State’s clean energy sector. This program underscores the State’s commitment under Governor Cuomo to ensuring New York’s businesses have a skilled workforce that is competitive and responsive to market demands.”
Hudson Solar President Jeff Irish said, “Hudson Solar has hired several solar system engineers and installers under the OJT program and is very happy with the results. The NYSERDA and DOL personnel we worked with on the program made the process simple and workable from start to finish. We plan on participating in the program again to help train new workers for our company and the state’s growing solar industry.”
Enlighten Power Solutions President David Elliott said "Enlighten Power Solutions is a proud partner of the NYSERDA Clean Energy OJT program. We feel that every dollar invested into creating clean energy jobs is a dollar invested into New York’s future and economy. The NYSERDA Clean Energy OJT has empowered Enlighten Power Solutions to bring on new employees as our business continues to grow. Our new hires benefit by getting the training they need to prepare for a green collar career with Enlighten Power Solutions. We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this innovative program."
NY Homeowners Construction Owner David Tamutus said, “OJT has afforded us the opportunity to expand our business and allowed individuals to become reemployed and receive training in our industry.”
Resources for Green Jobs
Businesses interested in applying for the program should visit http://www.nyserda.ny.gov/Funding-Opportunities/Current-Funding-Opportun....
The Department of Labor’s Jobzone: https://www.jobzone.ny.gov and Careerzone https://www.careerzone.ny.gov allow an individual to research a wide range of professions to determine which is best suited towards their skills, education and experience and can be used to help target a specific career path in the green workforce.
Anyone interested in a career in clean energy may also contact their local New York State Career Center: http://labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/osview.asp to find specific resources in their region.
The GreenCareersNY website (Job Seekers section): http://greencareersny.com/individual.shtm also offers various job boards with numerous training program opportunities—including certificate programs and local community college offerings.
