Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV)

The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL), through its Office of Just Energy Transition (OJET), has released the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce – Electric Vehicles (GCEW-EV) Request for Applications. This initiative is part of the state’s broader strategy to support workforce development aligned with clean energy goals, particularly in response to the rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and technology. NYSDOL serves as the primary state agency responsible for workforce training and employment services, and OJET specifically focuses on preparing workers for jobs created by the transition to a low-carbon economy. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the expansion or creation of training and pre-apprenticeship programs that prepare individuals for careers in electric vehicle repair and maintenance, EV charging station maintenance, and EV fleet services. The program is designed to build a skilled workforce capable of supporting light-, medium-, and heavy-duty EV systems. In addition to technical training, applicants are required to provide wraparound services, which may include supportive services such as transportation, childcare, or career counseling to ensure participant success and retention. Funding under this opportunity can be used to support program development, instructional delivery, and the purchase of equipment necessary for training activities. However, funding cannot be used for EV installation activities. Projects must specifically focus on EV and fleet repair and maintenance and/or EV charging station repair and maintenance. A key requirement of the program is that at least 35 percent of enrolled participants must reside in Disadvantaged Communities as defined by the Climate Justice Working Group, and applicants must formally attest to meeting this threshold. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and governmental entities. These organizations must demonstrate the capacity to develop or expand workforce training programs in the specified areas. Applicants may partner with training providers to deliver programming. The program is focused on workforce development within New York State and is intended to address labor market needs in the clean energy and transportation sectors. The application process requires submission through the appropriate state systems by the stated deadline. Applicants may submit questions via email to the designated NYSDOL contact, and responses will be published publicly on the funding opportunities website. A virtual applicant workshop is scheduled to provide guidance and answer questions. No letter of intent is required for this opportunity. Applications must be submitted by June 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated award date is listed as May 11, 2026, and selected projects will have an initial contract length of 36 months. The total funding available for this program is 7,000,000 dollars, which will be distributed among selected applicants. While the exact number and size of awards are not specified, funding is expected to support multiple projects aligned with program priorities. This funding opportunity does not explicitly state that it is recurring, but it builds upon prior iterations of the Growing the Clean Energy Workforce initiative. As such, similar funding rounds may be anticipated in the future. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review all requirements and ensure compliance with programmatic and reporting expectations to remain eligible for funding and maintain good standing throughout the contract period.

Ensure at least 35 percent of participants are from Disadvantaged Communities; focus strictly on eligible EV maintenance training areas; include strong wraparound service plans