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DOE to commit $24M for clean energy workforce training

DOE to commit $24M for clean energy workforce training
Solar Holler workers install panels. In the past decade, the organization has become the largest solar installation company in West Virginia. (Photo courtesy Solar Holler)

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $24 million funding opportunity for workforce training programs with a focus on training in clean energy jobs that do not require a four-year degree.

This funding, from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Is meant to further expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network to include more union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools. These IACs support the Biden-Harris Administration’s goals of growing our clean energy workforce and boosting the economy by helping small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) identify opportunities to save costs and increase productivity.

“When it comes to building up the nation’s workforce, there is no doubt that a clean energy transition means developing new, exciting opportunities,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “More than half of the jobs created by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda won’t require college degrees great news for anyone considering a career in the vast clean energy sector.”

The centers will build on the recent round of IAC network expansion to train students and incumbent workers for careers in clean energy, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing that do not require a four-year degree; and help small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) save money, reduce energy waste, and improve productivity.

Through the solicitation, DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), with a contribution from the Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE), will fund a range of workforce training institutions, from community and technical colleges and trade schools to union training programs (including labor-management training programs), industrial apprenticeships, and related internships.

These new IACs will comprise both new training programs as well as expanded manufacturing assistance programs, all of which will work with employer partners to provide hands-on learning for participants alongside technical assistance to strengthen SMMs’ operations.

Applicants will apply to one of three tracks: 

  1. One-year initial planning and capacity building awards of up to $200,000 each for institutions to plan how they will establish a future IAC (with the intent to apply for a Track 2 award in 2025), 
  2. Three-year execution and scale awards of $500,000-$2,000,000 for existing career training programs to become an IAC, and 
  3. Three-year consortia and cohort awards of $4,000,000-$7,000,000 for facilitated groups of colleges, state systems, multi-local union projects, apprenticeship intermediaries, and their IAC-eligible partners to establish several IACs at once.

This solicitation will be managed by DOE’s Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, who will help reach and support applicants who may have limited experience with DOE funding opportunities. Awarded funds may be used for a range of eligible costs, including curriculum development, instructor recruitment and professional development, student wages to support their provision of hands-on technical assistance at SMMs, and equipment.

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