SUNY Ulster

Cleantech Training at SUNY Ulster: A Comprehensive Approach for All Types of Learners

SUNY Ulster’s Pre-Apprenticeship program, which launched in 2019, develops and delivers technical training, relevant education, and hands-on experience in cleantech to traditional and non-traditional learners.

With courses, internships, community partnerships, and other resources, the college ensures that new and existing workers, apprentices, and students have the skills, experience, and qualifications required to meet the demands of the cleantech industry.

Engaging Nontraditional Learners

SUNY Ulster’s pre-apprenticeship program initially offered cleantech training (building envelope, heating, cooling, passive solar, and more) to high-risk youth, incarcerated individuals, and others not usually involved in higher education. As demand grew, the college expanded its offerings. It built partnerships in the community, offered courses for credit, added a degree, and additional short-term training. Today, SUNY Ulster offers multiple, flexible pathways to relevant cleantech credentials for all types of learners.

Multiple Pathways to Cleantech Credentials

Learners can get the credentials they need in a variety of ways:

> Training for Contractors and Other Adult Learners

For those looking to increase their skills in cleantech fields. Courses appeal to residential contractors who want to service clients interested in cleantech heating/cooling options or energy savings in their homes.

> Courses for Credit

Credit-bearing courses – offered as remote, self-paced online, and hybrid -- include:

• Skills in basic building science
• Building analysis
• Building envelope
• Heating & cooling
• Foundational courses can be stacked into micro-credentials

> Clean Energy Degrees, Microcredentials

For students who want a more in-depth study of “green building,” there is a Green Building Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Courses are offered online for traditional students and people who work full time. As part of the degree, students can also access cleantech micro-credentials. 

> Internships

For enrolled students and others pursuing SUNY Ulster’s pre-apprenticeship training who want hands-on experience in green building techniques and repairs.

> Continuing Education, BPI Certification

For students who take multiple Building Performance Institute (BPI) courses, BPI offers continuing education credits (CEUs) for completed certifications.

> Community Partnerships

SUNY Ulster created partnerships with several community stakeholders in the Hudson Valley. These partnerships appeal to potential students who directly benefit from them.

> Additional Support

The college has scholarships and tuition assistance available. Additionally, trainees take advantage of tool borrowing/lending at the college as well as BPI certifications in Spanish.

Training to Employment

Clean energy training immediately transfers to the workforce. Green realtor, green building specialist, and clean energy entrepreneur are just some of the titles held by graduates. Some students completing BPI certification have found employment with a local contractor or HVAC installer. Some have even started their own energy auditing businesses in the mid-Hudson region.

Students are qualified for these and other cleantech jobs:

• Home energy assessor
• Energy advisor
• Certified small house auditor
• Sales rep for smart home heating and cooling solutions
• Owner – energy solutions company