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Welcome to this month’s edition of our newsletter! Here, we’ll share what we’re reading, thinking, and doing—and help you stay informed about what other movers and shakers are doing in the green workforce development space. This newsletter is designed as a resource for you, so let us know which topics you’d like to see more of and what resources would be the most helpful!
Inside This Month’s Edition
🚀 Launchpad Updates
Clean Energy Career Connect—Share Upcoming Training Opportunities: We’re continuing to build momentum for our Clean Energy Career Connect (CECC) initiative—funded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA). We’re grateful to NYPA and to our partners at Henry Street Settlement, New Women New Yorkers, and Energy EDC for supporting our first cohort.
We are currently identifying upcoming programs aligned with in-demand roles across energy efficiency, electrification, HVAC, and building operations. If your organization has a training program starting soon, we invite you to share it below:
Accelerator for Green Workforce Developers Cohort 5 is in full swing: Participants are engaging in candid, solution-oriented discussions on employer alignment, credential navigation, partnership-building, and equity-centered design. We’re proud to be working alongside such a thoughtful and committed group—and excited for what’s ahead.
Westchester–Putnam Workforce Workshop: We recently facilitated a two-day clean energy workforce workshop with the Westchester–Putnam Workforce Development Board. Together, we focused on translating the clean energy transition into clear, actionable career pathways for their clients.
💡 Did you know?: We design and facilitate workshops like this for workforce organizations, educators, and ecosystem partners—tailored to local labor markets and program needs.
Employer Engagement—New Thought Piece: We recently shared a new reflection on employer engagement—exploring why “getting to yes” isn’t a strategy, and what it takes to build stronger, more reliable partnerships across the workforce ecosystem.
🔍 Career Highlight
Are you looking to better understand the connection between clean energy and workforce development? We’ve got you covered! Watch this short video for a breakdown of The Green Launchpad’s Clean Energy Framework.
Clean energy careers span across multiple sectors, segments, and systems — each playing a vital role in the green workforce. Each month, we’ll spotlight one key sector, segment, or system driving the clean energy transition and highlight the careers and skills shaping the future.
This Month…
We’re diving into Tech-Enabled careers in clean energy—a cross-cutting set of roles that support the clean energy transition across multiple sectors. From energy efficiency and electrification to renewables, buildings, and grid systems, these roles are essential to how clean energy is designed, implemented, and optimized. While green tech jobs span all eight segments of the clean energy ecosystem, they are especially prominent in energy efficiency across New York—where data, systems, and performance optimization play a critical role in reducing emissions and improving building operations.
2 Sample Career Pathways in Tech-Enabled Jobs
Energy Analyst
Energy analysts evaluate building and system performance to identify opportunities for improved energy efficiency, cost savings, and reduced emissions. They analyze data, conduct audits, and support strategies that optimize energy use across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Building Systems Technician
Building systems technicians install, maintain, and troubleshoot systems such as HVAC, electrical, and controls within residential and commercial buildings. They play a key role in ensuring systems operate efficiently, safely, and in alignment with energy performance standards.
🙌 Launchpad Community Updates
Career Pathways in Weatherization (WAP Resource): Looking to better understand career pathways in home energy and weatherization? This resource highlights roles within the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)—from entry-level positions to advanced technical careers—along with the skills and certifications needed to grow in the field.
The HOPE Program is Hiring—Business Development Manager: The HOPE Program is hiring a Business Development Manager to lead employer partnerships and connect participants to quality job opportunities across sectors like green construction, building operations, and horticulture.
Climate Tech Academy—Free Training Opportunity: The Climate Tech Academy is offering a free 3-week training program (June 1–19, 2026) designed to help participants launch careers in clean energy. The program includes industry-recognized certifications, clean energy fundamentals, data and Excel skills, and career pathway support.
📅 Early interest deadline: April 17
Youth WINS — Youth Engagement & Earth Day Events: Youth WINS is hosting two upcoming events focused on youth engagement, community connection, and green career exposure across Staten Island.
The Youth Engagement Symposium (April 17, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM) at Integration Charter Schools will bring together young people for interactive programming centered on building pathways to future careers.
On April 22 (2:00 – 6:00 PM), Youth WINS will host an Earth Day Pop-Up at Tompkinsville Park, featuring green job demos, seed swapping, composting, food demos, live music, and additional hands-on activities for the community.
💡 Seeking partners for green jobs demos
👉 Contact: [email protected]
Solar One—Earth Day 2026: Solar One is joining NYC’s Earth Day 2026 celebrations at Union Square on April 19, in partnership with the Earth Day Initiative and a wide range of climate-focused organizations. This annual in-person festival brings together New Yorkers to engage in climate action, explore sustainability in practice, and connect with organizations across the green economy.
Clean Energy Connect—Workforce & Resources Expo: The Clean Energy Connect Workforce & Resource Expo is taking place on May 29 (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM)—connecting jobseekers to training programs, employers, and career resources across the clean energy ecosystem.
🌱 NYSERDA Funding Opportunities: NYSERDA has two new funding opportunities.
Clean Energy Career Pathways Training Program (PON 6121) has $30 million in funding available to support workforce development across New York State..
📅 Next deadline: May 20, 2026 (rolling rounds through 2027)
Technical Skills Training and Upskilling (PON 6122) has $20 million in funding available.
📅 Applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until September 30, 2030.
If your organization is applying and would like to team up with TGL and partners, please get in touch with Angela to strategize together!
Getting Entry-Level Talent to Network—Lessons from the Skilled Trades: In this free Zoom workshop by Prentix and Rising Stars, they'll share learned lessons from working with high school students through young adults on networking skills. You'll leave with a clearer picture of what it actually takes to move students from interest to action, and what micro skills make the difference.
📅 Monday, April 27 | 3:30–4:15pm EST
🏛️ Policy Brief
NY Climate Act Faces Proposed Changes: Governor Hochul has proposed amendments to New York’s Climate Act that would delay the 2030 emissions reduction mandates while maintaining the state’s long-term 2050 decarbonization goals.
States Advance Distributed Energy Solutions: New data from Pew highlights how states are expanding distributed energy resources (DERs)—like rooftop solar, battery storage, and community solar.
EPA Finalizes Renewable Fuel Standards: The EPA’s finalized 2026–2027 Renewable Fuel Standard sets higher targets for biodiesel and renewable diesel.
