New Training Program Builds Pathways to Green Energy Construction Careers for Disadvantaged Communities

A new workforce training program targeting young adults 18 years and older, was created to help ensure that all New Yorkers, including those in Disadvantaged Communities (DACs), are included in NYS’s clean energy future. The program is led by Liz Oliveto, WPWDB Youth Program Director in partnership with Training Provider Soulful Synergy to prepare 18 participants to enter the growing field of clean construction with confidence, competence, and purpose.

Funded by a New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET) Renewable Energy Training Initiative (RETI) Grant, the program recognizes that climate change does not impact all communities equally. RETI funding provides:

• The up-skilling or re-skilling of workers transitioning from fossil fuel to clean energy positions;
• The up-skilling or re-skilling of residential workers in weatherization, building performance, and retrofitting, including fees for required industry-recognized credentials; and
• Wraparound services during training, including but not limited to, childcare, transportation, housing, food, mental health services, and substance use treatment or services.

The Westchester, NY program, which launched in May and wraps up on July 11th, combines foundational construction certifications with specialized green building credentials and real-world hands-on experience. The initiative is designed not only for individuals new to the field but also for those seeking to reskill or upskill, providing a rare, flexible approach to clean energy workforce development.

Oliveto said: “Too often, workforce programs are linear and limited. This one is different. We’re giving participants not just a starting point, but a foundation and options for where they can go next, whether that’s further specialization in green building or jumping directly into a job. That kind of flexibility is rare.”

Foundations in Safety and Sustainability

Participants earn a comprehensive suite of 10 certifications, including OSHA 30, Fall Prevention, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, EPA Section 608, and the Building Performance Institute’s Principles of Building Science. The first three represent the Site Safety Training Card which is essential for anyone entering the construction field. It started as a New York City requirement but has since become standard in Westchester County and, as many employers work in both locations, it gives participants the flexibility to work in either. They also complete two certifications from the U.S. Green Building Council’s GPRO program, covering the fundamentals of green building and sustainable construction management.

During the 6-week training program, students rotate through 10 work-stations to gain hands-on skills in framing, electrical wiring, drywall installation, weatherization, insulation, painting and light fixture installation. These build-out exercises are designed to simulate real job site conditions.

Oliveto said: “We build our program on a construction-based foundation with the green energy components weaved in, because green energy isn’t standalone. It depends on traditional construction knowledge. You can’t install solar panels on a building without a proper roof. You need to understand how the building is put together before you can enhance its sustainability.”

Student participant Michael Novello said: “I’ve already experienced a lot of personal growth and am getting more confident in what I’m doing. I have a bit of background in a lot of what we’re learning, but it’s learning the right way to do it, understanding why we build the way we build. Also I love the teamwork. We work with different people every day and we learn to work together. It’s been a real positive experience.“

A Human-Centered Approach

What truly sets this program apart is its commitment to student support. With an exceptionally low student-to-instructor ratio, sometimes as low as 4:1, the program meets learners where they are. All participants face at least one significant barrier to employment, from financial hardship to lack of transportation. This training isn’t a typical classroom, and it’s not a typical staff either.

CEO and Director of Training, Soulful Synergy Alejandro Alvaraz said: “Thanks to the support from the grant and from Liz Oliveto, our instructors actually have the time and flexibility to support the students as individuals. Whether it's emotional support, a practical resource like bus fare, or just someone to ask. ‘Have you eaten today?’—there’s someone available to do that. We have been very intentional about choosing empathetic, student-centered instructors which is why we retain students. If their basic needs aren’t met, they can’t focus on learning.”

The staff includes alumni of past training programs who now give back as instructors, creating a full-circle community of support and mentorship.

From Training to Career Placement

Job readiness is a key component of the curriculum. Participants receive career coaching in resume writing, interviewing, and how to present themselves in business settings. The ultimate goal: to place every graduate in a meaningful, good-paying clean energy job.

Alvarez said: “We want our students to walk into interviews with pride. They’ll be able to say, ‘I know these tools. I built this wall. I understand sustainable construction.’ That confidence makes all the difference.”

To date, several students have expressed interest in pursuing further training in areas like electrical work, while others are preparing to step directly into green energy jobs. Soulful Synergy is actively working to place graduates with employers across New York City and Westchester.

Alvaraz concluded: “People need a sense of purpose. People need to be part of a group with a shared purpose. People need to feel competent within that group—they need to feel they’re contributing something of value. That third piece is what’s often missing in traditional education. In our program, students not only become part of a team, but they also develop real skills that make them feel confident and capable.”

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ABOUT THE NYS OJET RETI GRANT

This clean construction training program is funded by the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board through the Youth Program via the RETI Grant, delivered in partnership with Soulful Synergy, a workforce training provider committed to advancing equity and sustainability in the green economy. The program reflects a shared belief that everyone deserves a shot at meaningful work, at a liveable wage and that climate progress must include Disadvantaged Communities. https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2025/01/synergy-forum-13-resources-combined-files_0.pdf

https://climate.ny.gov/Resources/Disadvantaged-Communities-Criteria