Major economic transformations have one thing in common: They begin and end with the workforce. New York’s clean-energy transition is no different. From electricians and engineers to technicians and project managers, demand for skilled talent is growing in every corner of the energy sector.
New York’s clean-energy economy is among the largest in the country, having employed more than 184,000 workers at the end of 2024, adding approximately 6,000 jobs in a single year and attracting an average of $6 billion in public and private investments annually between 2022 and 2024. And while the national clean-energy industry faces headwinds from Washington, New York’s continued advancement of policies and actions outlined in the final State Energy Plan will counteract shifting federal priorities. The challenge isn’t whether opportunity exists, but whether New York workers have the tools and access to seize it.
One local organization helping New Yorkers seize the opportunity is the Social Enterprise and Training Center in Schenectady, which hosts the Heat Pump and Energy Efficiency Training Program. With support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the SEAT Center has partnered with local businesses and Hudson Valley Community College to offer technical training, mentorship and on-the-job experience in areas like heat pump and HVAC installation. Through this program, we are seeing what happens when specialized technical training meets real-world experience. As of summer 2026, nearly 100 participants completed training, with 89 already placed into a paid internship, advanced formal training, an apprenticeship or a full-time job.
We see NYSERDA’s investments making an impact, which is why we have committed $320 million for clean-energy workforce development and training. We are focusing on expanding access to careers in traditionally underserved communities and for veterans, individuals with disabilities, transitioning fossil fuel workers and other priority populations. As part of this commitment, in April, Gov. Hochul made $50 million available through two new programs that support career pathways training as well as upskilling and reskilling initiatives for new and existing workers. These programs will bolster NYSERDA’s previous initiatives, which have already prepared more than 40,000 New Yorkers for rewarding clean-energy jobs.
At the end of the day, this decades-long energy transition is ultimately about people. It’s about empowering workers, strengthening communities and building an economy where New Yorkers can thrive for years to come. While federal priorities may change, New York State’s commitment to its workforce and energy future remains unwavering.
Doreen M. Harris is the president and CEO of NYSERDA. Learn more about NYSERDA’s workforce development opportunities at nyserda.ny.gov/wfd.