As New York State decreases its reliance on fossil fuels, specialized skills and expertise will be required to meet our environmental, economic and clean energy needs. The New York Power Authority’s workforce development efforts are creating a clean energy career pipeline that provides education, training, support and pathways to jobs, especially in disadvantaged communities. In 2023, New York State granted the New York Power Authority authority to commit up to $25 million annually for statewide clean energy workforce development efforts and since that time, we have continued to increase our impact.
In March 2024, we entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) giving us the opportunity to collaborate on programs related to workforce training, retraining and apprenticeships, preparing workers for employment in the renewable energy field, as well as programs to train or retrain utility workers, helps ensure New York stays at the forefront of the energy transition.
"The New York Power Authority's commitment to workforce training is a critical component of our mission to help transform the state's energy landscape into one that is adept and inclusive. By investing in the education and skills of our workforce, we are not only preparing individuals for the jobs of tomorrow but also ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of the transition to renewable energy resources."
- Justin E. Driscoll
President and Chief Executive Officer
The New York Power Authority is issuing a Request for Application (“RFA”) inviting qualified NYS based providers (such as technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, and others) to develop and deliver clean energy technical training, hands-on experience, and job placement assistance to both new and existing Workers, as applicable, ensuring trainees have the skills, experience, and qualifications required to meet industry demand.
Please note the following documents for your reference:
Clean Energy Workforce Training RFA- FY 25.26
Attachment A -Scope of Work FY 25.26
Attachment B-Budget Template FY 25.26
Attachment C-Supplier Diversity Provisions FY 25.26
As part of the Authority’s commitment to fostering a diverse and equitable workforce, we encourage all bidders to align with our diversity goals. Attachment C (Utilization Plan) must be completed and will be required as part of your submission in response to this RFA.
Submissions must be sent via email to Workforcedev@nypa.gov for consideration. No other state portal. Applications will only be accepted during funding cycles as follows:
Round 1: Opens August 15, 2025
Round 2: Opens November 1, 2025
Round 3: Opens January 1, 2026
Application Deadlines:
Round 1 Deadline: September 15, 2025 by 5PM EST
Round 2 Deadline: November 28, 2025 by 5PM EST
Round 3 Deadline: January 30, 2026 by 5 PM EST
A: NYPA is scheduled to release its next Request for Application (RFA) in August 2025. This RFA will encompass three distinct submission periods, each lasting 30 days, during which applications will be accepted. The designated submission windows will take place in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, as well as the first quarter of 2026.
Q: How can I apply for the Clean Energy Workforce Training funds?
A: During the open application cycle, applicants will be required to submit a comprehensive application package. This package must include a detailed scope of work document, a budget proposal, and a supplier diversity utilization plan.
Q: If I apply during the first round of funding and I am not selected, do I need to reapply or will I automatically be considered for the second round?
A: If you are not selected for the first round of funding, the evaluation committee will contact you to discuss the reasons for your non-selection.
If your application is deemed ineligible due to not meeting the eligibility requirements, it will not be reconsidered for the next round. However, if your application meets the eligibility requirements but requires revisions, you will be given the opportunity to revise and resubmit your application for the next round.
Q. If I have previously received Clean Energy Workforce Training funding from NYPA, am I still eligible to apply for the current Request for Application (RFA)?
A: Yes, you remain eligible to apply for funding, provided you have successfully met your milestones and adhered to the requirements stipulated in your contract.
Q: What expenses are allowable under the RFA?
A: Allowable expenses must be direct and programmatic. These include costs directly tied to the implementation of the program, such as:
- Personnel salaries for staff involved in the project
- Training materials and supplies
- Participant stipends or incentives
- Costs associated with curriculum development
- Fees for external trainers or consultants
Q: Does my organization have to be based in the state of New York to apply?
A: All proposed projects must be from entities located within NYS. All training beneficiaries must be NYS residents.
Q. Is the application process complicated?
A. The application process is straightforward. There are no portals to navigate; you simply need to submit your application, scope of work, budget, and supplier diversity utilization form to workforcedev@nypa.gov within the designated application window.
Q: What type of technologies are allowable under the RFA?
A: All curriculum and training programs must focus on the clean energy sector. Examples include:
- Building automation and controls
- Building electrification/heat pump technologies
- Clean energy manufacturing
- Construction skills including heavy equipment, earth moving, site preparation, drilling, carpentry, roofing, and masonry; plumbing, pipefitting, steam fitting; electrical, electronics and controls; welding; fabrication and mechanics; materials handling
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging station installation and maintenance
- Energy management
- Energy storage
- High-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and water heating
- High-efficiency lighting and controls
- High-efficiency water heating
- Information Technology including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity and Software Engineering
- Insulation and air sealing
- Large-scale, land-based renewable energy generation that is supported through New York’s Clean Energy Standard including solar, wind, hydro, geothermal
- Smart grid
- Supportive skills such as basic mathematics, blueprint reading, computer-aided design (CAD) of electrical/mechanical/electronic components, problem solving, regulatory knowledge (land use law and regulations); occupational health and safety including jobsite safety.
- Unmanned Aerial System (UAS or drone) based equipment inspections/land surveys
Q: Who do I contact for more information?
A: Please email workforcedev@nypa.gov for more information.