
The United Way of Long Island’s workforce development program ‘Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables’ is generously made possible by Bank of America. The training creates a pathway for participants to secure careers in the renewable energy industry while simultaneously advancing economic mobility and helping shape the future of employment in our region. PowerUp! Wind, Solar & Renewables energy career training operates out of United Way’s state-of-the-art E3 SmartBuild Training Center in Deer Park, complete with a portable prototype wind turbine.
Since the program’s inception in 2022, 115 Long Islanders have completed the 50-hour program curriculum and training and another 150 will complete it in 2023. According to the New York State Department of Labor, over 10,000 new industry jobs will be available in New York State by 2030.
The Power Up! graduates of 2022 are proficient in the installation of clean heating and cooling technologies, high-efficiency HVAC, heat pumps, solar panels, EV Charging and the benefits of renewable energy. 40% have gained employment and on the way to financial stability and careers in the energy industry through connections made in the workforce program. Many other graduates have gone on to achieve advanced training.
This year, United Way of Long Island has also been awarded $249,000 from The Empire State Development Corporation’s Pay for Performance Operating Grant.
“We applaud Governor Hochul for making an investment in Long Island’s future and are grateful for Empire State Development Corporation’s Pay for Performance Operating Grant of $249,000 to expand United Way of Long Island’s footprint. Two years ago, Bank of America’s initial grant helped advance our mission focus and strategy to create career pathways in the offshore wind, renewable/sustainable, smart grid, and green construction industries” said Theresa Regnante, President and CEO, United Way of Long Island. She added, “PowerUp! is an example of all the good that comes when labor, industry, and government work together to benefit all Long Islanders.”
The Power Up! program grant is open to youths, veterans, unemployed workers and those seeking new careers leading to employment in the offshore wind industry, renewable/sustainable, smart grid and green construction industries.
To learn more and/or to apply, visit https://www.unitedwayli.org/powerupcareertraining.
Principal Funder: Signature Funders:
Supporters include:
Petro Home Services, TRC, PSEG Long Island, National Grid, Empower Solar, Suffolk County Community College, SUNation, American AWS, Nassau Community College