New York State Energy Research and Development Authority Offers Funding for Energy Efficiency Job Training and Workforce Development

December 28, 2009

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced that more than $3.8 million in funding is available for organizations to provide skills training for workers in the energy efficiency sector. Funding will significantly expand the availability of energy-efficiency skills training in all facets of residential and commercial buildings, including equipment operation, weatherization, lighting, and temperature controls.

The funding, which will be provided over the coming months, will significantly expand the availability of energy-related training for heating and air conditioning contractors, electricians, building operators, lighting , designers, energy auditors, and many others.

“This program provides essential support to help prepare our workforce to meet the ambitious energy reduction goals Governor David Paterson has set for New York,” said Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Workforce development programs are critical for building a clean energy economy and for giving New York’s workers the skills needed to help increase our energy efficiency and improve our environment.”

Training entities may also propose Train-the-Trainer initiatives. These programs will help increase the numbers of qualified teachers in New York State who can train workers to implement energy efficiency practices in designing, implementing, operating and maintaining energy-related measures and systems.

NYSERDA will award funding to eligible training entities that demonstrate the experience and ability to deliver technical training, internship/apprenticeship programs, and specific certification programs that support State energy efficiency goals. Additionally, funding is available to allow the organizations to advertise and market these training programs, and to help students pay for certain certification examinations and examination preparation. In June 2009, the New York State Public Service Commission approved a Workforce Development Program to be administered by NYSERDA. The objective of the program is to overcome the barriers to workforce training and to increase the existing energy-efficiency training infrastructure across the State. The program also will be used to fill in technological and geographical gaps in training.

Applications for NYSERDA’s Program Opportunity Notice (PON) 1816 will be accepted through August 1, 2010. View PON 1816 [PDF] for more information about the current funding opportunities available.