For Job Seekers — Smart Energy Choices

At Smart Energy Choices, we aim to connect community members — especially those facing poverty or housing insecurity, veterans, previously incarcerated people or other priority populations — with meaningful job opportunities in the region, expanding our clean energy workforce and furthering economic development within these communities.

Browse the resources available below for job seekers. If you have any questions about these or other opportunities, contact your local Community Energy Advisor or email Dr. Aloja Airewele, Workforce Development Coordinator, at aaa247@cornell.edu.

CCE Tompkins & Roots of Success

The Green Career Pathways Project (CPP) is a collaborative green jobs training and employment connection program that is coordinated through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County as part of the Energy Warriors program. The program is designed to provide training and employment navigation resources to Tompkins County residents from low-income households, returning citizens, veterans, underemployed individuals, and people from historically underserved communities. The program allows these individuals to enter green jobs such as heat pump and solar installation, air sealing and insulation, and the reuse economy.

The CPP training and employment connection program uses the Roots of Success curriculum to teach skills that can prepare students for a local job. The Roots of Success Environmental Literacy and Job Training Program strengthens academic and professional skills, increases environmental literacy, increases financial literacy and social entrepreneurship, and prepares participants for over 125 jobs in the green economy, which in turn help communities become climate resilient. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain experience through the City of Ithaca’s Green New Deal program, like insulating and sealing up air leaks in buildings in the city.

For more information, visit greencareerpathways.com (soon to be active) or contact our Workforce Development Program leader, Dr. Aloja Airewele at aaa247@cornell.edu or energywarriors@cornell.edu.

Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga (TST) BOCES

TST BOCES offers a Heat Pump Installation Adult Education Course [pdf], which teaches enrollees the skills necessary to install cold climate mini-split heat pump units, gaining hands-on experience using the tools, equipment, and best practices for installing these systems. Students also learn the basic electrical skills required for system installation and job-site safety and fall prevention. Upon completion, participants receive a TST BOCES Certificate of Completion.

For more information about this course, contact TST BOCES’ main campus at 607-257-1561 or downtown campus at 607-273-4095, or email adulted@tstboces.org.

Battery Academy

New Energy New York’s Battery Technician Program offers courses designed to provide a solid foundation in battery technologies, storage systems, and their diverse applications, enhancing your expertise and employability in this growing field.

Duration: 25 hours
Format: Online and self-paced, accessible immediately
Support: Virtual office hours with battery experts
Challenge Level: Intermediate