On Monday, September 23rd, Governor Kathy Hochul, alongside the United States Climate Alliance governors, announced the Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative during New York’s Climate Week. This initiative aims to prepare a new generation of workers for climate and clean energy careers. The bipartisan initiative is designed to train 1 million new registered apprentices across the U.S. by 2035, addressing the growing demand for a skilled workforce in fields like electric vehicle maintenance, wind energy, and solar panel installation.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of linking climate action with economic growth, stating, “In New York, we’re showing how climate action and economic growth go hand-in-hand.” The initiative focuses on creating pathways to high-quality jobs, particularly for underrepresented communities. It also prioritizes equity and aims to build a diverse and resilient workforce to help achieve the state’s climate goals, including transitioning to a net-zero economy.
In New York, this effort is reinforced by a $2.3 million award for training programs related to offshore wind careers through the state’s Offshore Wind Training Institute (OWTI). The funds will support training for 100 pre-apprentices and 430 journeypersons in wind-related skills, preparing them for jobs in the state’s growing renewable energy sector. The program highlights the importance of workforce diversity and ensures that New Yorkers from various backgrounds have access to these new opportunities.
The U.S. Climate Alliance, which includes 24 governors representing 60 percent of the U.S. economy, is committed to advancing climate-ready employment pathways. These pathways are expected to cover a broad range of sectors, from clean energy and building trades to land management and clean technology. The initiative will promote the use of stackable, portable credentials, making it easier for workers to reskill and advance in their careers.
Federal investments from the Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are expected to drive millions of new job opportunities in clean energy. With this initiative, the U.S. Climate Alliance aims to align climate goals with workforce development, creating good-paying union jobs while helping states meet their ambitious climate targets.
In collaboration with leaders from New Mexico, Washington, and other states, Governor Hochul’s announcement underscores the importance of partnerships between government, industry, and educational institutions to create a sustainable and inclusive workforce for the future.
