New York State Offshore Wind Training Institute - Workforce Training and Skills Development
New York’s offshore wind (OSW) workforce will grow significantly by 2040, with much of this growth concentrated in the manufacturing/production, construction/extraction, and induced industries. Under this Program Opportunity Notice (PON), NYSERDA is seeking proposals for training initiatives focused on addressing projected OSW workforce gaps and preparing workers for high-growth jobs. Training audiences may consist of existing and/or new workers.
Available Funding
Total funding currently available for this solicitation is $6.8 million, distributed over the course of multiple rounds. NYSERDA will accept proposals requesting between $500,000 and $3,000,000. Additional funds may be added to successful projects funded under this PON at NYSERDA’s discretion.
Proposals are required to include a minimum cost share of 30%. The minimum cost share required for projects exclusively serving disadvantaged communities and/or eligible priority populations is reduced to 10%. The minimum cost share for projects led by bona fide labor organizations and direct-entry pre-apprenticeship programs recognized by the NYS Department of Labor is reduced to 10%.
Applicant Eligibility
Individuals and entities that may apply as lead applicants for funding include technical/vocational high schools, community colleges, universities, labor unions, training and job placement intermediaries, community-based organizations and non-profit organizations as well as OSW original equipment manufacturers, distributors, vendors, suppliers, developers, and trade associations with a demonstrated track record in technical training, job preparedness and/or placement of program graduates.
Preference will be given to projects that include or are led by certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and/or Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses.
Development and implementation of OSW training programs and initiatives is expected to be completed within approximately 18 to 24 months, with an additional 12-month period for tracking and monitoring employment outcomes for program graduates who are new workers.
How to Apply
Learn more about the program and how to apply on the PON 4595 - NYS Offshore Wind Training Institute - Workforce Training & Skills Development funding opportunity page.
The solicitation will employ a two-step application process consisting of a concept paper (required) followed by a full proposal (by invitation only). Concept papers will be accepted on a rolling basis and will be evaluated within four to six weeks of receipt. Upon favorable review, select applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal (multiple due dates) subject to the requirements and evaluation criteria.
Find Partners
NYSERDA offers an online Partner Connector site to facilitate connections among training providers and other partners interested in applying to our workforce development and training funding opportunities.
The Partner Connector site enables interested parties to share their contact information and details about their organization with others seeking to collaborate on these funding opportunities. Once registered, participants are granted log-in access to the Partner Connector and may use the information on the site to contact potential partners and explore ways to collaborate. Participants may search for partners by filtering for any one or more of the following categories: region served, organization type, and services sought in a partner organization.
Register for the NYSERDA Partner Connector 
Contact Us
Contact [email protected] with questions.
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