There is more than $500,000 available
in job training grants through the state’s
Clean Energy On-the-Job Training (OJT)
program, which helps eligible businesses
develop green job skills in their work force.
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,
according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
“New York is proud to be a national leader
in clean energy and our work force is critical
to the industry’s success,” 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.
State officials said 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.
Businesses interested in applying for the program should visit www.nyserda.ny.gov/ Funding-Opportunities/Current-Funding- Opportunity.
The Department of Labor’s Jobzone, www.jobzone.ny.gov, and Careerzone ,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 work force.
Those 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.