Energy Warriors

Green Career Pathways

The Green Career Pathways provides training for people experiencing barriers to employment to enter the growing green job sector—heat pump and solar installers, insulation technicians, reuse specialists, to name a few. The training is grounded in the the nationally-recognized Roots of Success curriculum. The collaborative program is unique as it brings together resources from a wide variety of organizations, from private employers to unions to public workforce development agencies to educational organizations, and provides paid training and a nurturing environment for this population. This project will:

provide employable job skills through paid training opportunities
improve essential work readiness skills based on assessment
increase permanent employment post-program
improve outreach to affected communities
reduce local barriers to opportunities for marginalized people
empower participants by helping them understand the root causes of environmental degradation and climate change and mounting inequality, and see the role they can play in addressing these challenges
create and train a Green Job Employer’s Council who are committed to creating work environments where trainees can contribute meaningfully and thrive

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants receive an "Environmental Specialist" certificate from the Federal Department of Labor as an approved Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

Next Training

The training program lasts 12 weeks, and is held in-person in the City of Ithaca. A commitment of at least 12 hours a week is required. Accepted participants receive $250/week for participating in training, as well as additional paid on-the-job training opportunities with the Finger Lakes ReUse Centers.

Our March 2025 cohort is now full. Please email energywarriors@cornell.edu with any questions.

If you are interested in enrolling, you can always fill out the application here, and we will get in touch with applicants as we prepare for the next training program.

You can also check back here and keep an eye on our social media, newsletters, and public communications for updates on Green Career Pathways and other workforce development programs.