Northland gears up for clean energy training

Published: Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 6:05 pm

Northland Workforce Training Center Expands into Clean Energy Training

The Northland Workforce Training Center is launching a new clean energy training program, supported by significant financial backing from various organizations. National Grid has announced a $2 million grant, distributed over five years, to aid in the construction of a clean-tech lab and an experience center within the Northland complex. This initiative is also receiving support from New York State, the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, and the New York Power Authority.

The clean-energy program will feature a smart commercial building within the lab, equipped with an electric vehicle and charging station, solar panels, a wind turbine, and heat pumps. The program aims to equip students with skills for well-paying careers in the growing clean energy sector.

The experience center will showcase the processes of power generation, transmission, and automated restoration of electric service. The total cost of the lab and experience center construction is estimated at $4.2 million, with the overall program cost projected to reach $6 million to $8 million over five years, including operations and training.

Construction of the clean-tech lab is slated for completion in the second quarter of next year, with training commencing in the fall of 2026. The program anticipates training 30 to 45 students annually in building maintenance, alongside upskilling 50 to 100 incumbent workers in specific clean-energy technologies. National Grid's funding comes from an endowment, not ratepayer funds.

Since its opening in 2018, Northland has enrolled over 1,300 students, achieving a 64% program completion rate and an 83% job placement rate. The center currently has a record-high enrollment of 350 students this fall.

BNN's Perspective:

This initiative represents a positive step towards preparing the workforce for the future of energy. The investment in clean energy training aligns with the growing demand for skilled workers in this sector and demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development. While the program's success will depend on its execution and the ongoing needs of the industry, the collaborative approach and the involvement of key stakeholders suggest a promising outlook.

Keywords: clean energy, training, Northland Workforce Training Center, National Grid, grant, clean-tech lab, experience center, electric vehicle, solar panels, wind turbine, heat pumps, building maintenance, job placement, workforce development, renewable energy, New York State, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation, New York Power Authority

Full Story