Skilling and Scaling the Clean Energy Workforce
The U.S. clean energy sector is booming — with job growth on track to triple by mid-2030s. Nearly 40% of these jobs don’t require degrees. Yet, many employers are struggling to find trained talent. We launched our Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) program to bridge the gap between job seekers and businesses — and we do so through intensive, in-person, multiweek, certification-based courses that help put people in jobs and on the path to a career in clean energy.
Skilling and Scaling the Clean Energy Workforce
The U.S. clean energy sector is booming — with job growth on track to triple by mid-2030s. Nearly 40% of these jobs don’t require degrees. Yet, many employers are struggling to find trained talent. We launched our Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) program to bridge the gap between job seekers and businesses — and we do so through intensive, in-person, multiweek, certification-based courses that help put people in jobs and on the path to a career in clean energy.
Increase your earning potential and break into an industry that’s seeing unprecedented growth! The GCTA gives you the hands-on experience you need to start a new career. Graduates of this program earn, on average, $20/hr or more in their first clean tech position.
We include a mix of technical and employment readiness training, career navigation, student stipends and job placement support. Our mission is to expand the number of qualified clean energy technicians and installers, get them to work quickly and put them on pathways for continuous professional progression.
Here are some benefits of this program:
Paid Training: This program comes with stipends to support you while you upskill into a new career.
Growing Field: Every year, we’re seeing more jobs available in the clean tech industry.
Job Placement Support: After graduation, we’ll help you find a job that’s right for you.
Open to Beginners: There’s no degree required; all job seekers interested in joining the clean tech workforce are encouraged to apply.
See the training schedule below for application information.
How to Enroll
- Step 1: Determine which training path you’re interested. More details on each option are below.
- Step 2: Check below if your preferred training path is available in your area and when the next cohort begins.
- Step 3: Reach out to your local Goodwill career center to learn more about the enrollment process
Where We’re Training
Finding and training new employees can cost employers up to $10,000 per employee. Let Goodwill connect you with passionate, skilled job seekers through the GCTA. Our graduates have the hands-on experience and certifications your business needs.
In addition to attending a multiweek, 40 hr/week program and demonstrating the ability to show up and commit to future employers, all of our trainees gain:
Workplace safety certifications (OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
Construction skills and certifications
Industry-specific skills and credentials
Customer service skills
The GCTA was launched in 2024 in partnership with Accenture and GM. We launched this comprehensive cohort-based training with the intention of removing barriers to employment and accelerating access to entry-level clean energy jobs with training paths for solar installation, HVAC/heat pump installation and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) technicians. We include a mix of technical and employment readiness training, career navigation, student stipends and job placement support. Our mission is to expand the number of qualified clean energy technicians and installers, get them to work quickly and put them on pathways for continuous professional progression.
There are a variety of ways that other companies, nonprofits and government agencies can partner with the GCTA. We’re currently looking for support teaching trainees, funding our programs, finding jobs for our graduates and connecting trainees to other resources. We’d love to speak with you to discover how we can help each other, the people we serve and the planet.
Active pilot programs in Atlanta, Houston, Nashville and Detroit
Cities planned for expansion by 2030
Job seekers estimated to be trained by the program by 2030
Finding Light After Loss: Michael’s Story
Michael was struggling with grief for his recently departed sister when he decided to resign from his job as a custom glass installer. He wanted a new career but wasn’t sure where to turn. He applied to the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator through Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
The four-week solar installation program and weekly stipend were just what he needed to learn a new trade while also being able to pay his bills. After graduation, he secured employment with LightWave Solar, a Goodwill partner.
“The instructors did such a phenomenal job, and it was truly one of the best short-term education programs I’ve received,” Michael said. “It not only prepared me for the field but also had a huge impact on my life when I needed it most.”
Training Paths
Solar Installation
This four-week course covers electrical energy fundamentals, safety standards, the basics of residential solar and storage installation, steps to commission a solar and storage system, common maintenance tasks, solar site evaluation and customer service excellence.
Enrolled job seekers receive:
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- IronRidge’s Solar Installer Certification
- GRID Alternatives’ Certification for Junior Solar & Storage Installation
- Customer service skills
- Employment readiness training
- Career navigation support
Currently available:
- Nashville, TN –Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc
Coming soon:
- Houston, TX – Goodwill Houston
- Albuquerque, NM – Goodwill of New Mexico
- Columbus, OH – Goodwill Columbus
HVAC/Heat Pump Installation
This five-week course covers HVAC fundamentals, building science, heat pump installation and maintenance, troubleshooting, customer service, energy modeling, and Manual J calculations.
Enrolled job seekers receive:
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- EPA 608 Universal Certification
- Climate and Community Lab (the workforce development arm of BlocPower) Heat Pump Installer Certification
- Customer service skills
- Employment readiness training
- Career navigation support
Currently available:
- Houston, TX – Goodwill Houston
Coming soon:
- Atlanta, GA – Goodwill of North Georgia
- Greenville, SC – Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Technician
This four-week course covers electrical energy basics, electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment mechanics, commissioning and maintenance (preventative and corrective), energy systems and grid operations, EV batteries, proper and safe EV charging, electrical codes and safety standards, commissioning, common maintenance tasks, and customer service excellence.
Enrolled job seekers receive:
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace Certification/National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E
- ChargerHelp!’s EVSE O&M Certification
- Customer service skills
- Employment readiness training
- Career navigation support
Currently available:
- Atlanta, GA –Goodwill of North Georgia
- Detroit, MI –Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
Coming Soon:
- Denver, CO – Goodwill of Colorado
Training Schedule
There are currently eight cities running cohorts within the GCTA program. Please refer to the calendar shown below for cohort city, corresponding course type and dates for each training session.
The table shown below provides more detail for when and where to apply for each city’s training cohorts.
| Location | Training Type | Cohort Start Date | Cohort End Date | Application Deadline | Contact Email or Link to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albuquerque | Solar + Storage Installation | 03/17/2025 |
04/11/2025 |
02/28/2025 |
|
| Albuquerque | Solar + Storage Installation | 06/02/2025 |
06/27/2025 |
05/09/2025 |
|
| Atlanta | EVSE Technician | 01/06/2025 |
01/31/2025 |
||
| Atlanta | EVSE Technician | 04/21/2025 |
05/16/2025 |
04/04/2025 |
|
| Atlanta | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 03/10/2025 |
04/11/2025 |
02/28/2025 |
|
| Atlanta | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 05/23/2025 |
06/27/2025 |
05/09/2025 |
|
| Columbus | Solar + Storage Installation | 07/07/2025 |
08/01/2025 |
06/30/2025 |
|
| Columbus | Solar + Storage Installation | 09/15/2025 |
10/10/2025 |
09/08/2025 |
|
| Denver | EVSE Technician | 07/07/2025 |
08/01/2025 |
07/02/2025 |
|
| Denver | EVSE Technician | 09/08/2025 |
10/03/2025 |
09/03/2025 |
|
| Detroit | EVSE Technician | 03/24/2025 |
04/18/2025 |
03/10/2025 |
|
| Detroit | EVSE Technician | 06/16/2025 |
07/11/2025 |
06/02/2025 |
|
| Detroit | EVSE Technician | 08/04/2025 |
08/29/2025 |
07/21/2025 |
|
| Detroit | EVSE Technician | 08/04/2025 |
08/29/2025 |
07/21/2025 |
|
| Detroit | EVSE Technician | 10/06/2025 |
10/31/2025 |
09/29/2025 |
|
| Greenville | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 07/14/2025 |
08/15/2025 |
06/20/2025 |
|
| Greenville | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 09/15/2025 |
10/17/2025 |
08/22/2025 |
|
| Houston | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 01/27/2025 |
02/28/2025 |
01/17/2025 |
|
| Houston | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 03/10/2025 |
04/11/2025 |
05/02/2025 |
|
| Houston | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 06/16/2025 |
07/18/2025 |
06/06/2025 |
|
| Houston | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 09/08/2025 |
10/10/2025 |
08/27/2025 |
|
| Houston | HVAC/ Heat Pump Installation | 10/20/2025 |
11/21/2025 |
10/10/2025 |
|
| Houston | Solar + Storage Installation | 05/12/2025 |
06/06/2025 |
02/28/2025 |
|
| Houston | Solar + Storage Installation | 07/28/2025 |
08/22/2025 |
07/18/2025 |
|
| Nashville | Solar + Storage Installation | 01/13/2025 |
02/07/2025 |
01/06/2025 |
|
| Nashville | Solar + Storage Installation | 02/24/2025 |
03/21/2025 |
02/17/2025 |
|
| Nashville | Solar + Storage Installation | 04/07/2025 |
05/02/2025 |
03/31/2025 |
|
| Nashville | Solar + Storage Installation | 05/19/2025 |
06/13/2025 |
05/12/2025 |
|
| Nashville | Solar + Storage Installation | 07/07/2025 |
08/01/2025 |
06/30/2025 |
About Goodwill
Most people are familiar with Goodwill thrift stores. Our stores are the primary funding stream for our workforce development programs that empower people in local communities with the skills and resources they need to find employment or advance out of low-wage work. We also rely on partner support to develop and deploy innovative programs like the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator.
Here are some things you can expect from a partnership with Goodwill.
Sustainability- focused nonprofit with more than 120 years of powering the circular economy
Largest workforce development nonprofit in the U.S. with an unmatched footprint.
Established connections with local community resources and job seekers
Relationships with local employers looking for skilled workers
GCTA National Strategic Partners
GCTA Training Partners
I would like for people to know that Goodwill does a lot more than just taking in and selling things…. Not only do they help people repurpose things, but they really use that to train people and train them well in various jobs. And that's really important.
I would absolutely recommend this as a career and occupation for anyone looking to return to the workforce, or even if you're new to the workforce, there is a place for you. And Goodwill is a place to start. They’re doing great things at Goodwill.
