Funded by the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) is an initiative focused on preparing Maine people for jobs in the growing clean energy and energy efficiency fields, providing avenues for business support, and achieving Governor Mills’ goal of reaching 30,000 clean energy jobs in Maine by 2030. Listed below are descriptions of all of the workforce development and innovation programs which have been awarded funds through the CEP.
2024 Workforce Development Awards
On July 30, 2024 the Governor’s Energy Office announced $2 million in grant awards to expand or establish six clean energy workforce training programs in Biddeford, Portland, Freeport, Augusta, Orono, and Oxford Hills. Learn more about the awarded programs below:
- Biddeford Adult Education: Clean Energy Job Placement
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Biddeford School Department and Biddeford Adult Education will develop curricula, fund internships and apprenticeships, provide job application and other support to prepare 70 individuals for careers in the clean energy and energy efficiency sectors.
- Maine Math & Science Alliance: High School Rural Energy Futures
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Maine Math & Science Alliance (Augusta) will implement the High School Rural Energy Futures Program, a place-based learning experience that connects 500 rural high school students with clean energy and energy efficiency careers.
- Oxford Hills and Nezinscot Adult Education: Solar and Heat Pump Technician Training
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Oxford Hills and Nezinscot Adult Education will create a new local workforce program to provide training to 10 area adults and technical high school students to prepare them for careers in installation, maintenance, and repair of heat pumps and solar panels.
- PassivhausMAINE
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PassivhausMAINE (Freeport) will expand its low-cost, 1-day energy code training program to educate up to 220 builders on Maine’s Uniform Building and Energy Codes and best-practices in high-performance building in northern climates. The project aims to provide upskilling opportunities to current energy efficiency and traditional building trades workers while also welcoming those new to the trades, while prioritizing rural communities and underrepresented populations across the state.
- Portland Adult Education
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Portland Adult Education will expand its renewable energy pre-apprenticeship program by adding heat pump and thermal-focused pre-apprenticeship and bridge programs to prepare up to 150 individuals for careers in clean energy including solar energy, heat pump technology, green construction, and home performance.
- University of Maine: Education in Building Analysis and Design
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The University of Maine (Orono) will establish new graduate and undergraduate certificate programs in building science analysis and design to reach 200 students and working professionals in engineering, engineering technology, forestry, sustainable materials and technology, and other related fields.
2023 Innovation Awards
On December 5, 2023, Governor Mills announced $1.3 million in grant awards to three organizations to support the development of innovative clean energy businesses in Maine. The grants were awarded by the Governor’s Energy Office through the CEP program. Learn more about the awarded programs below:
- Central Maine Growth Council
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The Central Maine Growth Council in Waterville will expand its Dirigo Labs startup accelerator and pitch contest to provide hands-on startup coaching, advisement, and research and development support for clean energy and cleantech startups. The 17-week program assists startups in refining their concepts, scaling their operations, and accessing strategic resources crucial for market entry and growth. Award: $150,000.
- Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
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Coastal Enterprises, Inc. in Brunswick will implement the Weatherization Business Lab, a 7-week business advising program aimed at growing and scaling contractor businesses that deliver home weatherization and energy efficiency services in rural and low-income communities. The online sessions cover a variety of topics related to business management, including marketing, pricing, financial management, and hiring and retention. Award: $300,000.
- The Roux Institute at Northeastern University
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The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland will develop and launch a clean energy incubator program to create a hub for clean energy innovation and cultivate community, connections, and increased knowledge of the sector. The program will provide desk and prototyping space, technical and business mentorship, and other start-up support services for up to 20 startups per year at The Roux Institute. Award: $975,000.
2022 Workforce Development Awards
In 2022, GEO awarded $2.9 million in grants to nine entities for clean energy workforce development programs to attract new workers, provide career training and upskilling, increase diversity and representation, and facilitate entry into the clean energy job market. Learn more about those awarded programs below:
- Associated General Contractors of Maine: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship
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With funding from the GEO, AGC Maine will expand their construction immersion pre-apprenticeship program to three additional high schools, with students receiving industry training and credentialing in crane operation and electrical work.
- Building Performance Association: Energy Efficiency Workforce Development
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The Building Performance Association will conduct a statewide workforce needs assessment among energy efficiency contractors, connect learners and jobseekers with training and employment opportunities, and establish and deliver new apprenticeship models for weatherization workers. The project aims to facilitate industry growth by supporting existing and new weatherization workers and employers concurrently.
To learn more, please visit: https://building-performance.org/mainebpa/
- Downeast Community Partners: Weatherization Training
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Downeast Community Partners will collaborate with local colleges on development and alignment of post-secondary classroom curriculum for weatherization, provide paid on-the-job training to new workers engaged in local weatherization projects, and provide wrap-around support services for trainees.
- International Association of Ironworkers Local 7: Offshore Wind Training
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The International Association of Ironworkers Local 7 will develop a flexible training program for offshore wind projects, including a mobile fall protection and HYTORC tool training and certification center. The project also supports ironworker apprentices and journeypersons in attaining industry certifications for local and regional offshore wind project development.
- Kennebec Valley Community College: Solar and EV Technician Training
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Kennebec Valley Community College will deliver new Electric Vehicle Technician and NABCEP-Certified Solar Photovoltaic Installer trainings for two cohorts of learners. The project includes training for instructors and engagement with local Career Centers and employers engaged in clean energy and alternative transportation.
To learn more and access workforce trainings, please visit: https://www.kvcc.me.edu/workforce/
- Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships: ReMaine Clean Energy Internship Program
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Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships, Inc., will develop a new clean energy internship program, and place Maine-based college and university students and residents in subsidized paid positions at Maine-based clean energy companies and technical credentialing programs. The project aims to increase diversity and equity among the clean energy and energy efficiency workforce by engaging with and supporting currently underrepresented populations.
To learn more, please contact remaine@neep.org or fill out the employer interest google form.
- passivhausMAINE: Code Builder Trainings
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passivhausMAINE will deliver an accessible and affordable Code Builder Training for passive house and energy-efficient building techniques as they relate to understanding the Maine Uniform Building Energy Codes and Stretch Codes. The project aims to engage existing energy-efficiency workers and those entering the space from the traditional building trades.
To learn more and view upcoming trainings, please visit: https://www.passivhausmaine.org/builder-trainings
- ReVision Energy: Expanding and Strengthening Maine's Solar Workforce
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ReVision Energy will develop tools to assist jobseekers and students in the identification of solar career pathways, develop and deliver a new PV Design apprenticeship model, and share best practices to streamline the implementation of employer-sponsored solar apprenticeships in Maine. The project aims to increase diversity and equity among the clean energy workforce by engaging with and subsidizing training expenses for currently underrepresented populations.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.revisionenergy.com/solar-company/solar-careers-and-training/training-center
- University of Maine: OffshoreWind4Maine
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The University of Maine will create new multi-disciplinary micro-credential courses on offshore wind, develop undergraduate and graduate-level courses on offshore wind to complement existing curriculum, and establish an undergraduate concentration program in offshore wind.