New York State Offshore Wind Training Institute - Workforce Training and Skills Development

Under this Program Opportunity Notice (PON), the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is seeking proposals for training initiatives focused on addressing projected offshore wind (OSW) workforce gaps and preparing workers for high growth jobs. Training audiences may consist of existing and/or new workers. The intent of this funding is to support projects that address projected OSW workforce gaps and prepare workers for high growth jobs via technical training. Preference will be given to projects that train for high need positions and/or projects that offer direct entry into the OSW workforce through partnerships with OSW Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, vendors, suppliers, developers, labor unions and trade associations. Training must address a demonstrated market gap and demand.

How much funding is available?

Total funding currently available for this solicitation is $9 million, distributed over the course of multiple rounds. NYSERDA will accept proposals requesting between $500,000 and $3,000,000. Additional funds may be added to successful projects funded under this PON at NYSERDA’s discretion.

Applicants must contribute a minimum cost share of 30 percent toward the total project budget, which may include cash or “in-kind” services. The minimum cost share required for projects exclusively serving Disadvantaged Communities and/or eligible Priority Populations is reduced to 10 percent. The minimum cost share for qualifying union-led projects and qualifying pre-apprenticeship programs is reduced to 10 percent.

What are the basic requirements?

This solicitation will provide funding to projects that address projected OSW workforce gaps and prepare workers for high growth jobs via technical training. High growth jobs are projected to include:

• Electricians
• Miscellaneous Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators
• General and Operations Managers
• Laborers and Material Movers
• Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
• Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers
• Miscellaneous Plant and System Operators
• Construction Laborers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Given the applicability of many of these skillsets to other sectors, proposals must establish a strong connection to OSW skills specific to OSW jobs. This may be accomplished through industry letters of commitment/support, industry hiring timelines, industry job requirements (e.g., credentials), partnering with existing direct entry programs, and other means.

All proposed training projects must demonstrate a solid and comprehensive sustainability plan to ensure continuation of training after NYSERDA funding has been exhausted.

Development and implementation of OSW training programs and initiatives is expected to be completed within approximately 18 to 24 months, with an additional 12-month period for tracking and monitoring employment outcomes for program graduates who are new workers.

Who is eligible to apply?

Funding through this Program is limited to lead applicants that are technical/vocational high schools, community colleges, universities, labor unions, training and job placement intermediaries, community-based organizations and non-profit organizations as well as OSW OEMs, distributors, vendors, suppliers, developers, and trade associations with a demonstrated track record in technical training, job preparedness and/or placement of program graduates. Training Providers, or partners, must demonstrate expertise in OSW-related technical areas and possess a clear understanding of how proposed training will meet the hiring and skills needs of the industry. Preference will be given to projects that include or are led by certified Minority- and/or Women-Owned Business Enterprises and/or Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned Businesses.

Which training initiatives can be funded?

Eligible activities for which NYSERDA funding may be used must be aimed at skills that will prepare workers for OSW jobs. Eligible activities must result in the actual delivery of training to the intended audience. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Screening and recruitment;
• Curriculum or certification development or modification;
• Training delivery (online, classroom, on-site, etc.);
• Certification costs;
• Equipment purchases for hands-on training;
• Hiring and training of trainers;
• Implementation of mentorships and internships;
• Pre-apprenticeships including through vocational school partnerships, apprenticeships and job placement services;
• Training in languages other than English;
• Marketing and outreach (reasonable costs will be considered, and are usually up to 5% of total NYSERDA funding);
• Reasonable, necessary in-state, travel.

How to Apply

Learn more about the program and how to apply on the PON 4595 - NYS Offshore Wind Training Institute - Workforce Training & Skills Development funding opportunity page.

Find Partners!

NYSERDA offers an online “Partner Connector” site to facilitate connections among training providers and other partners interested in applying to our workforce development and training funding opportunities.

The Partner Connector site enables interested parties to share their contact information and details about their organization with others seeking to collaborate on these funding opportunities. Once registered, participants are granted log-in access to the Partner Connector and may use the information on the site to contact potential partners and explore ways to collaborate. Participants may search for partners by filtering for any one or more of the following categories: region served, organization type, and services sought in a partner organization.

Register for the NYSERDA Partner Connector

Still Have Questions?

Contact [email protected]