Career Skills Training – Department of Energy

What does this funding get me?

$10 million for nonprofit-led partnerships with industry and labor organizations to:

• Increase enrollment and participation in existing energy efficiency career skills training programs.
• Improve access to classroom instruction and on-the-job training opportunities for underserved, underrepresented, disadvantaged communities.
• Provide participants with the necessary skills and industry-recognized certifications required to pursue a career in the energy efficiency industry.
• Place participants in good jobs to ensure economic self-sufficiency and career success.

Am I eligible?

Nonprofit partnerships are eligible for funding via the Department of Energy’s Office of State & Community Energy Programs. 

Per the provision language, this program requires nonprofits to partner with the following entities: 

• Industry; public or private employer
• Labor Unions and Organizations, Labor-Management Partnerships, and Worker Centers and Organizations

How can I access the money?

A prime recipient for this funding includes: 

• Two applicants in a partnership where one applicant is identified as the lead applicant.
  • The lead partner will:
    • Identify the partnering industry/labor organization and if applicable the supporting potential partners in their applications.
    • Establish a partnership that includes one of the entities described as required partners above to form the nonprofit partnership.  
    • Function as implementers, supporting the assessment of skill needs and workforce trends and working with employers to increase the number of workers in the energy workforce.  
  • The optional partner will support the prime recipient and complement the capacities of a potential prime recipient by providing extra assistance and management
• Has the capacity to provide technical assistance and manage all program activities, including reporting, project, and program management, for a portfolio of sub-recipients.

What is the timeline?

Funding Opportunity Announcement applications were due February 27, 2024. Stay tuned for more information.

What other incentives could I use to help me accomplish my goals?

For additional training assistance, the NC Clean Energy Technology Center provides numerous training programs and online/in-person courses related to renewable energy and energy efficiency. Click here for more information.

Check out Companies Succeed, Communities Benefit, a user guide by the BlueGreen Alliance with instructions for implementing a Community Benefit Plan to ensure that communities benefit from workforce development funding and other Federal programs.

Where can I get more information?

• DOE web page on Career Skills Training Program
• Career Skills Training Program fact sheet
• For questions, email careerskillstraining@hq.doe.gov. Answers to questions received via email will be posted to the Excel spreadsheet BIL 40513 Q&A (found at the bottom of the linked page under Frequently Asked Questions).
• In addition to the resources listed above, a variety of organizations offer technical assistance that may help you access these funds. They are listed on our Get Help page.
• For specific questions on this program or for more assistance, contact Sally Robertson at info@energyfundsforall.org.