Biden administration launches $24M funding opportunity for clean energy workforce training programs

Published on February 27, 2024 by Chris Galford

Focused on paths to careers that do not require a four-year degree, the Biden administration recently announced a new $24 million funding opportunity for clean energy workforce training programs. 

Those programs will seek to expand the industry’s workforce and to improve manufacturing efficiency, lowering costs for small businesses along the way. Meant to expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network, this funding will support more unions, apprenticeships, community colleges and trade schools alike. It will allow training for students and incumbent workers and help small and mid-sized manufacturers save money, cut energy waste and improve productivity.

IACs under the program will include both new training programs and expanded manufacturing assistance programs, in collaboration with employer partners. Hands-on learning and technical assistance will be key components.

“When it comes to building up the nation’s workforce, there is no doubt that a clean energy transition means developing new, exciting opportunities,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “More than half of the jobs created by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda won’t require college degrees—great news for anyone considering a career in the vast clean energy sector.”

Applicants for this opportunity will be able to apply to one of three areas: 

1. One-year initial planning and capacity building awards of up to $200,000 each for institutions to plan how they will establish a future IAC (with the intent to apply for a Track 2 award in 2025), 
2. Three-year execution and scale awards of $500,000-$2,000,000 for existing career training programs to become an IAC, and 
3. Three-year consortia and cohort awards of $4,000,000-$7,000,000 for facilitated groups of colleges, state systems, multi-local union projects, apprenticeship intermediaries, and their IAC-eligible partners to establish several IACs at once.

Awarded funds can go to various costs, such as curriculum development, instructor recruitment and professional development, student wages, equipment and more. 

Partnerships are encouraged among applicants. Full applications will be due May 16, 2024.