Clean Energy Workforce
Investing in the Clean Energy Workforce
As the demand for renewable energy in Ohio expands, the need for a skilled workforce to install and maintain clean energy technology and infrastructure also increases. With the guidance of the Clean Energy Workforce Development Committee, Clean Energy Columbus is investing over $800,000 in clean energy workforce training programs by 2025.
Building the Workforce
clean energy workforce training programs
01.
EMPOWERED! Program
The EMPOWERED! Program is at the heart of our workforce development. A partnership between Clean Energy Columbus and Impact Community Action, this 12-week program focuses on inclusivity and diversity, bringing new talents and perspectives to the clean energy industry. EMPOWERED! trains participants for key industry certifications suchas NCCER, OSHA 10, CPR/First Aid, and Environmental Specialist training.
The Empowered! Program has graduated 11 cohorts with over 110 participants since the beginning of the program.
Interested in the EMPOWERED! program? Learn more From our partners at Impact Community Action.
02.
Impact Solar Initiative
With funding from Clean Energy Columbus, ARCH (Accompanying Returning Citizens with Hope) Reentry is hosting the Impact Solar Inititiative. The goal of the program is to provide the skills and training necessary for participants to build a career in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The program collaborates with employers, unions, and projects like Impact Solar, to help link graduates to career pathways upon completion of the program. The Impact Solar Initiative will provide 75 Columbusnonprofits with
Learn more from our partners, Arch Reentry!
03.
Goodwill Columbus Clean Tech Accelerator
The Goodwill Columbus Clean Tech Accelerator is designed to prepare underserved jobseekers for entry-level employment in the manufacturing sector. The program focuses on equipping participants with foundational workplace skills, professional behaviors, and industry-recognized credentials that enable them to succeed in structured, team-oriented production environments.
This training model is grounded in the understanding that as Columbus’s clean energy economy grows, the demand for a skilled manufacturing workforce will increase. By preparing jobseekers for general manufacturing roles today, the program builds the talent pipeline needed to support clean jobs in the future.
Learn more from our partners, Goodwill Columbus!
04.
Green Advanced Manufacturing
Eckerd Connects offers a robust training program designed to equip jobseekers with the skills necessary for successful entry into the Advanced Manufacturing industry with a focus on green practices in industry. The program includes two nationally recognized credentials: the MSSC Green Production Certification and the Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1) Certification.
Learn more from our partner, Eckerd Connects!
