Westchester Expands Clean Energy Workforce Opportunities Through New Training Initiatives

The Business Council of Westchester (BCW)’s Westchester’s Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) continues to play an important role in helping expand workforce development opportunities connected to New York’s growing clean energy economy. As highlighted in the 2026 edition of SKILLS: Workforce Development Guide, many of the organizations and leaders featured throughout the publication are active members and partners within the BCW’s CEAC initiative, helping position Westchester County at the forefront of clean energy workforce training and economic development efforts.

As the clean energy sector continues to grow across New York State and the Hudson Valley, Westchester County is increasingly emerging as a hub for workforce development initiatives designed to prepare residents for careers within the evolving industry. The publication highlights the rising demand for clean energy professionals, expanding training pathways, and collaborative efforts between businesses, educators, workforce leaders, and community organizations working to connect residents with long-term economic opportunities.

According to the report, clean energy remains one of the fastest-growing industries in the region. In 2024 alone, New York State recorded more than 184,000 clean energy jobs, while Westchester County added over 300 new positions within the sector. The publication notes that careers connected to clean energy and sustainability extend far beyond traditional environmental roles, impacting industries such as construction, engineering, facilities management, electrical work, transportation, and advanced technology.

Several careers were identified as especially high-growth opportunities throughout the Hudson Valley between 2022 and 2032, including solar photovoltaic installers, HVAC mechanics and installers, and electricians. These careers continue to offer competitive wages and expanding long-term employment opportunities as infrastructure investments and energy transition projects accelerate statewide.

The publication also featured insight from Thom Kleiner, Executive Director of the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and co-leader of the BCW’s CEAC Workforce Development Working Group, who emphasized that clean energy careers are already creating significant opportunities locally. Kleiner explained that the industry encompasses a broad range of professions beyond engineering and science, including construction, building operations, administration, and project management. He also noted that many pathways into the field do not require a traditional four-year degree, with certifications, technical programs, and targeted workforce training increasingly serving as valuable entry points into the industry.

Westchester’s clean energy workforce initiatives continue to be strengthened through partnerships between educational institutions, regional employers, and community organizations. Programs highlighted in the article include training opportunities through BCW and CEAC member organizations including Soulful Synergy, co-founded by Dwayne R. Norris, co-chair of the CEAC Workforce Development Working Group, as well as BCW members, Sustainable Westchester, Westchester Catalyst, and the Green Careers Academy. These initiatives aim to help residents develop practical skills connected to renewable energy, energy efficiency, electrification, and building performance.

The report further outlined the growing importance of creating accessible pathways into clean energy careers for individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities. Many of the featured programs focus on paid training opportunities, hands-on instruction, and direct connections to employers as the industry continues expanding across New York State.

One featured story highlighted the experience of Holly Jett, Energy Efficiency Program Manager at Brightcore Energy, another BCW member organization, whose career journey demonstrates the broad range of professional opportunities available within the clean energy sector. Her work overseeing communication, coordination, and project operations reflects the increasing demand for both technical expertise and operational leadership as companies continue scaling clean energy initiatives.

As New York accelerates investments in clean energy infrastructure and sustainability initiatives, the BCW’s CEAC program and its network of member organizations continue helping position Westchester County as a regional leader in workforce development, innovation, and clean energy opportunity.