The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced that it will be providing up to $10 million in grants through the Career Skills Training program (CST) to expand energy efficiency workforce training programs. These grants will support both classroom instruction and on-the-job training for individuals seeking certifications in clean energy installations. The announcement comes during climate week 2023, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing climate change through the development of a skilled and diverse workforce.
Nonprofit partnerships involving public or private industry and labor organizations are eligible to apply for these competitive grants. In order to be considered, applicants must include a Community Benefits Plan that outlines how their proposal will contribute to local community and labor support, workforce development, diversity, equity, inclusion, and initiatives for economic and environmental justice. The deadline for submitting applications is November 27, 2023.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm expressed her enthusiasm for the funding, stating that it will help equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet President Biden's climate goals. These programs have been authorized under President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and they aim to provide industry-related certifications for installing energy-efficient building technologies. This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the DOE to invest in a clean energy workforce capable of implementing various energy efficiency programs.
Overall, the DOE's Career Skills Training program is providing a significant opportunity for organizations to receive funding and expand their energy efficiency workforce training programs. By supporting classroom instruction and on-the-job training, these grants will help to develop a skilled workforce that is capable of implementing clean energy installations and reducing costs associated with climate change. With the deadline for applications approaching, organizations are encouraged to submit their proposals and contribute to the development of a sustainable and equitable clean energy transition.