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Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) approved $13 million in funding to support clean energy workforce development across New York State. The funding, approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees, includes $3 million to be directed to six workforce development programs that will equip more than 450 New Yorkers with the training, job placement resources and technical skills needed for careers in New York’s growing clean energy economy. The awards also include $10 million will support the New York State Department of Labor’s (NYSDOL) expanded training and retraining initiatives to prepare workers for employment in clean energy careers.

“Our clean energy future depends on the people who will build it, and we’re committed to preparing them for the good‑paying careers of tomorrow,” Governor Hochul said. “This $13 million investment will open doors for New Yorkers, expanding access to valuable training, strengthening workforce pathways and helping communities across the state benefit from the momentum fueling our clean energy economy.”

New York is leading the nation in developing a green economy, with nearly 185,000 clean energy jobs already created. Building further on that statewide progress, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved funding awards to the following organizations and institutions:

Energy Infrastructure Partners (EIP) – $520,000: EIP designs and delivers energy efficiency and clean energy programs for utilities and public agencies. The funding will support building operations and energy efficiency training for staff members of the Settlement House, a NYC based nonprofit.

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 17 – $500,000: LiUNA Local 17 in the Hudson Valley will use the funding to strengthen pre-apprenticeship pathways in the construction trades, offering foundational training and support services to prepare participants for union careers.

Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 210 – $540,000: LiUNA Local 17 in Buffalo will use the funding to support a pre‑apprenticeship program that provides certification‑based training for participants.

Both LiUNA programs build on proven models to expand access to skilled labor opportunities.

Last year, NYPA allocated more than $1 million in funding support to LiUNA’s existing workforce training initiative, stimulating the expansion of its pre-apprenticeship program, which prepares members of disadvantaged communities for careers as union construction craft laborers in Buffalo, the Hudson Valley and the Capital Region.

Northland Workforce Training Center – $500,000: Northland Workforce Training Center provides workforce training and career pathways for Western New Yorkers pursuing jobs in advanced manufacturing and energy. The funding will support training for participants in HVAC and building maintenance certificate programs at the Center’s new Clean Tech Lab, along with wraparound services including career coaching, transportation assistance and job placement support.

NYPA has supported Northland since its inception, initially providing $15 million in funding to support its development in 2016. In 2023, NYPA awarded Northland more than $1.1 million to support the development of the center’s state-of-the-art auto tech lab, and donated a 2017 Chevy Volt, an electric vehicle (EV) charger and a mix of associated EV shop tools to Northland for use in its clean energy center.

Renaissance Technical Institute (RTI) – $500,000: RTI, a New York City-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved communities through free vocational education and training, will train participants in energy‑efficient systems and electrification. NYPA, in collaboration with NYSDOL, previously allocated $500,000 in funding to RTI in East Harlem to support workforce programming and career development for young adults from under-resourced communities.

State University of New York (SUNY) Canton – $440,000: SUNY Canton will train students through credit‑bearing micro‑credentials in heat pumps, drone operations, and mapping and logistics. The initiative expands access to industry‑aligned clean‑energy training for Northern New York and disadvantaged communities, preparing graduates for high‑quality career opportunities in the clean‑energy sector.

Of the $10 million in funding awarded to NYSDOL approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees, $8 million will support the expansion and development of the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce Training Initiative, which provides grants to organizations for the development or expansion of training programs. The remaining $2 million will be allocated to the NYSDOL Renewable Energy Training Initiative (RETI) program, which supports inclusive clean‑energy workforce development by funding upskilling and reskilling for workers transitioning into clean‑energy roles and by providing essential wraparound services.

New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “By supporting organizations that provide apprenticeships and technical training, NYPA is strengthening New York’s talent pipeline and expanding opportunities for workers in communities across the state to gain the skills needed for high‑demand jobs in the growing clean energy economy.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The $13 million in workforce investments will help ensure New Yorkers have the skills required to maintain and expand the state’s clean‑energy infrastructure. NYPA is doing more than simply providing funding; it is delivering real opportunities for New Yorkers by opening vital career pathways in the state’s rapidly growing energy sector.”

Connecting New Yorkers to Opportunities in Clean Energy

The Power Authority’s support for clean energy workforce training stems from a commitment of up to $25 million annually, as outlined in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget, and largely supports the efforts of the New York State Department of Labor to connect workers to job opportunities in the clean energy economy. Many of the upskilling and training initiatives have a focus on serving those who are traditionally underrepresented, especially within disadvantaged communities.

NYPA actively engages with each community training organization to ensure skills training is matched with in-demand positions and participant success through supportive wraparound services. Additionally, the Power Authority advises on the classroom and hands-on technology curriculum.

Including this round of awards, NYPA has obligated more than $63 million for clean energy training programs, supporting thousands of trainees and more than 45 workforce training organizations statewide.

Separately, as part of Governor Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York Initiative, NYPA recently issued a Request for Application, targeting technical schools, colleges, unions and manufacturers, among other groups, to access $40 million in NYPA nuclear workforce development funding. The investment aims to build a skilled workforce ready to support the deployment and operation of new advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York.

More information on the Power Authority’s support for clean energy training can be found on its workforce development webpage.

New York State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon said, “Creating clean energy infrastructure is both necessary and an economic opportunity for our state, creating thousands of jobs and strengthening local economies. I applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to New York’s clean energy future. The New York State Department of Labor stands ready to provide the training and resources necessary to ensure our workforce is prepared to support the state’s clean energy development.”

State Senator April N.M Baskin said, “When we invest in people, we strengthen our economy. These awards will help LiUNA Local 210 and the Northland Workforce Training Center prepare more Western New Yorkers for careers in the growing clean energy economy, opening the door to good-paying jobs while building the skilled workforce our region needs. I thank Governor Hochul and NYPA for continuing to invest in our workforce.”

The New York Power Authority is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA finances its operations through the sale of bonds and revenues earned in large part through sales of electricity. For more information visit www.nypa.gov and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Substack.

Program Will Help Connect Workers to Opportunities in America’s Fastest Growing Semiconductor Ecosystem

New York Leading the Way in Addressing the National Skilled Worker Challenge, Moving To Prevent Projected Shortfalls Threatening the U.S. Chip Factory Revival

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program, designed to connect workforce training programs to careers in the state’s rapidly growing semiconductor industry sector. The new program, administered by Empire State Development, supports eligible semiconductor manufacturers and manufacturing businesses by offsetting the costs of training employees for high-demand manufacturing careers, helping companies build the skilled workforce needed to support continued industry growth across New York State.

“New York is making historic investments to become the nation’s premier destination for semiconductor manufacturing, and that means investing in people just as much as projects,” Governor Hochul said. “This new workforce training tax credit will help manufacturers develop the highly skilled workforce they need while creating new opportunities for New Yorkers to build careers in one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.”

The program supports employer-led training that addresses specific business needs, enhances employee skills, improves productivity and creates opportunities for career advancement. Eligible training may be provided directly by employers, third-party providers or New York State Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Tax credits can cover up to 75 percent of eligible training costs, including employee wages during training, curriculum development, instructor costs and qualifying wraparound services, up to $25,000 per employee receiving eligible training. Eligible semiconductor manufacturing businesses may receive up to $5 million in credits over the life of the program, while other eligible manufacturing businesses may receive up to $1 million.

To qualify, businesses must operate in New York State as eligible semiconductor manufacturing or manufacturing businesses, submit an approved workforce training plan before training begins, and demonstrate compliance with worker protection and environmental requirements. Applications are now being accepted through ESD. Additional program information, eligibility requirements and application materials are available here.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “A strong semiconductor ecosystem depends on a strong workforce. By helping employers invest in training, New York is ensuring businesses have access to the talent they need while creating pathways to high-quality manufacturing careers for New Yorkers. This program complements our broader strategy to grow the semiconductor industry and reinforce New York’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.”

The new program demonstrates New York’s semiconductor leadership by directly addressing the national shortage of skilled workers threatening the resurgence of domestic chip manufacturing. Recent industry reports are forecasting a nationwide deficit of up to 157,000 skilled full-time semiconductor manufacturing workers by 2030. By providing state support to offset training costs and facilitate new hires, New York is answering the urgent call for industry and government to pool resources, ensuring that the industry has the workers it needs while empowering New Yorkers with accessible career opportunities in a fast-growing industry.

This also builds on Governor Hochul’s comprehensive strategy to grow New York’s semiconductor industry. To ensure New Yorkers are prepared for the thousands of high-paying jobs created by these investments, Governor Hochul is leading an ambitious statewide workforce development strategy. This effort is anchored by the $200 million ON-RAMP initiative, which is establishing four advanced manufacturing workforce centers across Upstate New York. This includes the flagship ON-RAMP facility on the Southside of Syracuse, a hub designed to provide critical skills training and wraparound services — such as childcare and transportation — to create accessible career pathways.

Governor Hochul celebrated a major milestone at Micron’s $100 billion semiconductor manufacturing campus in Central New York as workers poured the first concrete foundations. This major milestone was achieved less than six months after breaking ground and marks a pivotal turning point from site preparation to full vertical construction.

Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to satellites, and the sector is poised to generate revenues of $1 trillion globally by the end of the decade. The industry also brings an outsized economic impact for workers and families — 60 percent of semiconductor manufacturing jobs don’t require a four-year degree and pay more than 25 percent more than other advanced manufacturing sectors on average. With more than $126 billion in new investments announced since 2022, New York State is home to the nation’s fastest growing semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. By the end of the decade, one in four U.S.-made chips will be produced within 350 miles of Upstate New York — more than any other region in the nation.

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Tag Archives: workforce training

NYS Governor Hochul Announces $13 Million in NYPA Funding to Support Clean Energy Workforce Development

NYS Launches Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Tax Credit