RochesterWorks Launches New Clean Energy Workforce Program
ROCHESTER, NY, February 19, 2025—RochesterWorks has launched a new initiative focused on ensuring the growing clean energy economy in the Rochester region has a workforce to meet its demand for skilled labor. The Renewable Energy Training Initiative (RETI), funded through a $250,000 grant from NYS Department of Labor, will seek to build the skill sets of job seekers and incumbent workers for clean energy careers.
“Our job at RochesterWorks is to assure that our workforce is able to meet the needs of our economy, and we expect our clean energy sector to see growth in our region,” said Dave Seeley, Executive Director of RochesterWorks. “We are grateful to have received this supplemental funding and hope it serves as a bridge between our clean energy employers and those seeking to participate in the green economy workforce.”
According to a 2024 study conducted by the Center for Government Research, on behalf of the Climate Solutions Accelerator of the Genesee-Finger Lakes Region, there are approximately 39,414 clean energy jobs in the nine-county Finger Lakes Region. That number is expected to grow by 12 percent over the next decade, a net change of 4,595 jobs. The region’s clean energy ecosystem, which accounts for “supportive” and “tangential” industries, accounts for over 96,000 jobs in the region, or 16 percent of the workforce.
The RETI Program will provide enhanced resources for job seekers interested in clean energy jobs, including training grants for various occupational skill sets that are in-demand and additional funding for wraparound services for transportation, childcare, and other barriers to employment. The program will prioritize job seekers living in communities underrepresented in the workforce, with a goal of 35% of program participants living in census tracts designated as Disadvantaged Communities (DACs).
The RETI Program will allow RochesterWorks to reintroduce its Customized Training Grant Model, which allows employers to address skill gaps with existing employees. RETI funds will cover up to $10,000 in costs for industry-recognized credentials of certifications in clean energy fields.
Clean energy employers will also be able to tap into RochesterWorks successful On-the-Job Training Grant Program, which offsets up to $7,500 in costs associated with hiring and training new employees by reimbursing a portion of wages during the training period.
Interested employers may contact BizServices@rochesterworks.org or 585-258-3500 x 2000.
Job Seekers interested in the program may contact 585-258-3500 or book an appointment with a career advisor at www.rochesterworks.org.
About RochesterWorks
RochesterWorks is Monroe County’s largest employment and training initiative. We are a nonprofit dedicated to providing free employment and workforce services to job seekers, youth, and businesses in Rochester and the Greater Monroe County Area.
Learn more about RochesterWorks, our programs, events, and services by visiting www.rochesterworks.org or by calling our Career Center at 585-258-3500/(TTY: 800-662-1220).
RochesterWorks is an equal opportunity program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.