NYS Department of Labor awards $500,000 clean energy workforce development grant to WPWDB

White Plains, NY The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) as part of its Growing the Clean Energy Workforce (GCEW) initiative. The grant — titled “Westchester for the Future” — will fund clean energy career training for 50 local individuals, with a focus on creating equitable pathways to employment in the region’s expanding clean energy sector.

The funding, administered by NYSDOL and supported by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) through its Office of Just Energy Transition, is part of a $5 million statewide initiative to support high-quality pre-apprenticeship and training programs that prepare workers for jobs in renewable energy, building electrification, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and other green industries.

Westchester County executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester is committed to preparing our residents for the jobs of the future, and this grant is a powerful investment in that vision. By expanding training in clean energy, we are not only opening doors for jobseekers — especially those in disadvantaged communities — but also ensuring our local employers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow. This is about equity, economic opportunity and building a more sustainable future for all of Westchester.”

“This grant allows us to deliver high-impact training that not only meets the needs of the clean energy economy but also ensures underserved populations across Westchester have direct access to these career opportunities,” said WPWDB executive director Thom Kleiner. “It’s a win for local jobseekers, for employers, and for the region’s environmental goals.”

The WPWDB will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) this fall to select qualified training providers who will deliver industry-aligned programming and wraparound services — including career counseling, case management, and job placement support. At least 35% of program participants will be recruited from Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), in alignment with NYSDOL equity guidelines.

To ensure job placement pipelines are strong, the WPWDB is partnering with Sustainable Westchester and the Business Council of Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition to identify employment opportunities for graduates. These organizations will help bridge connections between program completers and employers across the region who are seeking skilled talent in the clean energy space.

This initiative builds on Westchester’s commitment to workforce equity and climate resilience and aligns with governor Hochul’s climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).