Funding provided by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) awarded two energy workforce training grants totaling $944,765 to the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and the Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL). This investment combines funding allocated to GEFA from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program.

“As Georgia’s energy needs and technologies continue to evolve, so too must the workforce that supports them,” said Trey Bennett, executive director of GEFA. “Investing in education, training, and career pathways for emerging energy jobs will help Georgians prepare for new opportunities while building the skilled workforce needed to support a resilient and growing energy sector.”

Technical College System of Georgia

GEFA is partnering with TCSG to provide $859,037 in grant funding for two unique initiatives that will strengthen the workforce pipeline in Georgia’s growing energy sector—the Energy Efficiency Technology (EET) Apprenticeship Grant Program and a new EET program specialist position.  

The program specialist will oversee programs that support advanced technology solutions designed to increase the efficient use of existing and emerging energy resources, including energy efficient transportation technologies, transportation-related electrical infrastructure, residential clean-building technologies, energy efficient residential construction, and agricultural-related energy solutions. 

To ensure program curricula align with current and future workforce needs and that new program requests from colleges meet industry requirements, the specialist will build industry partnerships and engage employers, helping to provide students with valuable, industry-recognized credentials.

TCSG will also use GEFA funding to support expansion of the U.S. Department of Labor-recognized Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in energy efficiency technology and related energy-focused occupations in Georgia. These efforts are intended to increase employer participation in RAPs, expand the number of registered apprentices in energy-related industries, and strengthen the energy efficiency and energy-resilient workforce pipeline. The EET apprenticeship grant prioritizes industries critical to Georgia’s energy efficiency, production, distribution, and resiliency.

“Georgia’s continued economic success depends on our ability to prepare workers for the industries that are shaping our future,” said Technical College System of Georgia Commissioner Greg Dozier. “This investment will help our technical colleges expand training opportunities in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies while strengthening partnerships with employers across the state. By developing new curriculum, growing registered apprenticeships, and ensuring students earn the skills businesses need, we’re building a talent pipeline that supports innovation, and strengthens Georgia’s workforce.”

Georgia Department of Labor and Goodwill of North Georgia

GEFA is providing $85,728 in grant funding to GDOL to create an energy workforce training pathway within the “Walking the Last Mile to Reentry” program, in partnership with Goodwill of North Georgia (GNG). Managed by GDOL, the program helps justice-involved individuals reconnect with the workforce through job training, placement assistance, and ongoing support. 

“Nothing rebuilds a life like good work, and this grant helps make it possible,” said Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “We are grateful to GEFA for this investment in second chances, and proud to partner with Goodwill of North Georgia to build a clean energy training pathway within our Walking the Last Mile to Reentry program. Participants will walk away with real skills, real certifications, and a real path to a mortgage-paying paycheck in one of our fastest-growing industries. That is how Georgia remains the top state for business and a Top State for Talent.”

Eligible participants will receive training in air source heat pump installation, a curriculum created and taught by GNG. Training will include hands-on instruction in construction and safety basics; heating, cooling, and refrigeration basics; building science and air sealing; HVAC diagnostics, installation and maintenance; and troubleshooting electrical components. Participants will also earn industry certifications in workplace safety (OSHA 10-hour) and refrigerant safety (EPA Section 608), as well as a heat pump installation certification offered through the Climate and Community Lab.