Capital Region BOCES is proud to be a key partner of Governor Kathy Hochul’s effort to build a vibrant renewable energy workforce.
Governor Kathy Hochul this week announced the first step for expedited offshore wind and land-based renewable energy solicitations as part of New York’s 10-Point Action Plan to expand its thriving large-scale renewable industry. To further bolster the growing offshore wind industry, the Governor also announced $2.3 million in awards from the State’s Offshore Wind Training Institute to support new skills training programs and prepare hundreds of workers for skilled jobs.
Capital Region BOCES is the recipient of one of these awards and will use the $1.25 million in funding to train 90 workers through three Adult Education programs.
The Electrical Trades, Welding and Metal Fabrication and Building Trades programs will address training in key workforce gaps that address the offshore wind industry. Through the programs, technical trainings specific to the offshore wind industry will target adult learners from disadvantaged or environmental justice communities and priority populations, including veterans, formerly incarcerated persons, single parents, and English Language Learners.
BOCES will specifically recruit adults who are underemployed and/or seeking career changes and help them overcome barriers to completing its job training program.
Capital Region BOCES Director of Special Projects & Strategic Partnerships Joseph P. Dragone, Ph.D. said “we are excited to bring our recognized training programs in the Electrical Trades, Building Trades, and Welding & Metal Fabrication to support workforce development for the offshore wind industry.
“Our model of cross sector partnerships with leaders in industry, economic development and human services including Advance Albany County Alliance, Albany Port District Commission, Capital District Transit Authority, Capital Region Workforce Development Board, Capital District YMCA, Carver Companies, Center for Economic Growth, Equinor, Marmen, Inc., and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region underscores our collective commitment to eliminating barriers and providing training and career opportunities in the offshore wind industry,” Dragone said.
Governor Hochul said “New York continues to lead the nation in building a clean energy future. Through our investments in workforce development and New York’s renewable industry, we are creating momentum to accelerate renewable energy projects and ensure we have a workforce prepared to fill the jobs we need to reduce emissions and build a greener New York for all.”
The Capital Region BOCES Adult Education program serves hundreds of adults each year who represent a cross-section of under-employed, un-employed, second career seekers, immigrants and English language learners. Programming for everyone from aspiring healthcare workers to high school diploma seekers offers adults in the region new opportunities while furthering the regions and state economies.
For more information on any program, visit https://www.capitalregionboces.org/adult-education/classes-programs/, call 518-862-4707 or email jasmine.dixon@neric.org.
