Workforce Development

As part of its authority, NYPA is authorized, as deemed feasible and advisable by its Board of Trustees, to invest up to $25 million annually in workforce training initiatives to support New York State’s clean energy transition. In support of this mandate, NYPA has entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) to collaborate on programs related to workforce training, retraining and apprenticeship opportunities in the renewable energy field.

In the first year of funding, the Power Authority allocated $25 million for workforce development and clean-energy training to organizations across the state. The funding awards strengthen NYPA’s collaboration with the NYSDOL, the NYSDOL’s newly established State Office of Just Energy Transition and with job-skills training organizations especially those working in disadvantaged communities and in the vicinities of NYPA power facilities. To date, NYPA has awarded funds to, and supported partnerships with, the following organizations across New York State:

  • Bronx Economic Development Corporation (NYC)

  • Energy Storage and Microgrid Training and Certification (Statewide)

  • Institute for Workforce Advancement (IWA) Workforce Training Initiative (Long Island)

  • ITEC Training & Education Center (Finger Lakes)

  • Laborers’ International Union of North America (Statewide)

  • NYC District Council of Carpenters Training Center (NYC)

  • New York State Labor Management Committee (Statewide)

  • Oneida County Office of Workforce Development (OCOWD) Training Initiative (Mohawk Valley)

  • The Osborne Association Workforce Training Initiative (NYC)

  • Public Housing Community Fund (PHCF) Workforce Training Initiative (NYC)

  • Renaissance Technical Institute (NYC)

  • The Resilience Education Training and Innovation Center (RETI Center) (NYC)

  • Say Yes Buffalo (Western New York)

  • St. Nick’s Alliance (NYC)

  • Soulful Synergy (NYC)

  • State University of New York (SUNY) Clean Energy Microcredential Initiative (Statewide)

  • United Way of Long Island (Long Island)

  • Urban Green Council (NYC)

  • The Willdan Clean Energy Academy Workforce Training Initiative (NYC)

  • WVI Dolphin Foundation (NYC)

Q:  When will NYPA issue the next solicitation for application?

A: NYPA is scheduled to release its next Request for Application (RFA) in August 2025. This RFA will encompass three distinct submission periods, each lasting 30 days, during which applications will be accepted. The designated submission windows will take place in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, as well as the first quarter of 2026.

Q:  How can I apply for the Clean Energy Workforce Training funds?

A: During the open application cycle, applicants will be required to submit a comprehensive application package. This package must include a detailed scope of work document, a budget proposal, and a supplier diversity utilization plan.

Q: If I apply during the first round of funding and I am not selected, do I need to reapply or will I automatically be considered for the second round?

A: If you are not selected for the first round of funding, the evaluation committee will contact you to discuss the reasons for your non-selection.

If your application is deemed ineligible due to not meeting the eligibility requirements, it will not be reconsidered for the next round. However, if your application meets the eligibility requirements but requires revisions, you will be given the opportunity to revise and resubmit your application for the next round.

Q. If I have previously received Clean Energy Workforce Training funding from NYPA, am I still eligible to apply for the current Request for Application (RFA)?

A: Yes, you remain eligible to apply for funding, provided you have successfully met your milestones and adhered to the requirements stipulated in your contract. 

Q: What expenses are allowable under the RFA?

A: Allowable expenses must be direct and programmatic. These include costs directly tied to the implementation of the program, such as:

  • Personnel salaries for staff involved in the project

  • Training materials and supplies

  • Participant stipends or incentives

  • Costs associated with curriculum development

  • Fees for external trainers or consultants

Indirect or capital expenses, such as administrative overhead and facility improvements, are not permitted.

Q: Does my organization have to be based in the state of New York to apply?

A: All proposed projects must be from entities located within NYS. All training beneficiaries must be NYS residents.

Q. Is the application process complicated?

A. The application process is straightforward. There are no portals to navigate; you simply need to submit your application, scope of work, budget, and supplier diversity utilization form to workforcedev@nypa.gov within the designated application window.

Q: What type of technologies are allowable under the RFA?

A: All curriculum and training programs must focus on the clean energy sector.   Examples include: 

  • Building automation and controls

  • Building electrification/heat pump technologies

  • Clean energy manufacturing

  • Construction skills including heavy equipment, earth moving, site preparation, drilling, carpentry, roofing, and masonry; plumbing, pipefitting, steam fitting; electrical, electronics and controls; welding; fabrication and mechanics; materials handling

  • Electric vehicle (EV) charging station installation and maintenance

  • Energy management

  • Energy storage

  • High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and water heating

  • High-efficiency lighting and controls

  • High-efficiency water heating

  • Information Technology including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity and Software Engineering

  • Insulation and air sealing

  • Large-scale, land-based renewable energy generation that is supported through New York’s Clean Energy Standard including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal

  • Smart grid 

  • Supportive skills such as basic mathematics, blueprint reading, computer-aided design (CAD) of electrical/mechanical/electronic components, problem solving, regulatory knowledge (land use law and regulations); occupational health and safety including jobsite safety. 

  • Unmanned Aerial System (UAS or drone) based equipment inspections/land surveys

These programs should aim to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed and secure gainful employment in the clean energy.

Q: Who do I contact for more information?

A: Please email workforcedev@nypa.gov for more information.