Green Workforce Development Awardees

Community College of Denver/WORKNOW will enroll Denverites into the existing services of 20 plus WORKNOW construction partner organizations to facilitate growth of clean energy and green building pathways.  This will create new job training opportunities and expand employment connections with local green industry employers that increase opportunities and reduce barriers for residents.

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The DPS Xplore Career Exploration Program will introduce high school students to green energy careers through onsite business tours and/or virtual/in-school speakers. In addition, its Summer Renewable Energy Academy will offer students an opportunity to explore green careers, prepare for a locally recognized Installation Basics Training completion certificate and apply their learning through industry led, hands-on projects. DPS will identify career exploration speakers, mentors, and partner with various industry groups including the African American Trades Association which will offer summer internship opportunities to students in the green energy industry.

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Energy Efficiency Business Coalition (EEBC) has brought together a team of experts to implement a scalable project that addresses both Denver’s Workforce Equity and Climate Change goals. The team consists of EEBC, International Center for Appropriate and Sustainable Technology and Julius Education. They will implement a program that targets priority populations, provide basic free online training developed through the nationally recognized Energy$mart Academy, prepare candidates for Building Performance Institute certifications, and source candidates into EEBC’s network of businesses for good paying, entry level green jobs. In parallel, the team will work with EEBC’s existing network of contractors to provide upskill training on very high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies, specifically cold climate Air Source Heat Pumps, prioritizing the training of minority and women businesses and those impacted by COVID-19.

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GRID Colorado is providing two green workforce development programs - SolarCorps Fellowship Program and the Solar Accelerator Internship.

GRID’s Colorado SolarCorps Fellowship Program (SolarCorps) is an eleven-month, paid training pathway, which aims to connect individuals from under-resourced communities with career opportunities in solar installation and construction. GRID will provide additional career coaching opportunities, job search support, and direct connections to hiring companies.

GRID Colorado’s Solar Accelerator Internship is the next step for trainees, offering a pathway to a higher level, higher paying quality career through a 12-month paid training in five different solar career tracts common in the solar industry. The five Solar Accelerator Internships are:

1. Solar Installation Supervisor
2. Solar Trainer
3. Solar Designer
4. Solar Site estimator
5. Programs Coordinator for Workforce Development, Community Outreach or Clean Mobility

In addition to mentorship and job placement support, GRID will provide staff guidance and support necessary for interns to obtain the National Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Associate credential.

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International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is partnering with Goodwill of Colorado to address the needs of Priority Populations in Denver by creating a Facility Management Training Program (FMTP). Facility Managers are change agents in the climate action space, typically driving sustainability capital and operating budgets and creating significant numbers of green jobs. The FMTP is now a Registered Apprenticeship program in Colorado that major employers in the IFMA Denver Chapter are in full support of and are prepared to offer employment to Apprentices and completers of the program.

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Mile High Youth Corps' (MHYC) Energy and Water Conservation program provides low-income residents of Denver with an array of services that lower utility bills while reducing energy and water consumption. MHYC’s training program prepares young people for the green workforce and full-time, quality employment by offering Corps Members certifications in Department of Energy and Department of Labor recognized training including Building Performance Institute’s Building Science Principles and Roots of Success programs.

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Green Infrastructure Training (GRIT) is a six- to eight-week long program for young adults aged 18-24 providing paid on-the-job training and work experiences that prepare participants for careers in green infrastructure design, implementation, and management. Groundwork Denver will support participants in receiving OSHA-10, HAZWOPER 40-Hour, Building Science Principles, along with other certifications needed to enter the field. Participants will receive support in applying for and maintaining employment.

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The TreeForce pre-apprenticeship is an eight-week intensive paid training program providing formerly incarcerated individuals education and skills development, complemented by robust supportive services and job or apprenticeship placement, in a high-quality and in-demand green career field: urban forestry.  Throughout the duration of the program, participants will be introduced to potential employers and engage in work-based learning, as well as being coached in interview and employability skills. The program provides First Aid/CPR, OSHA-10, and Introduction to Arboriculture Safety Certifications.

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