December 2, 2022

New York, NY—Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute and Apex Technical School will offer a 450-hour solar photovoltaic installation training program at The Fedcap Group’s Civic Hall @ Union Square digital skills training center. The program will start when doors open at Civic Hall @ Union Square during the first half of 2023.

The solar training program will provide courses in basic digital skills, financial literacy, micro grids/smart grids (utilizing digital technologies to better manage electricity use), solar energy systems design, as well as provide hands-on solar photovoltaic installation training.

“This is the first of many programs and partnerships to help New Yorkers struggling with barriers to employment break into technology focused jobs,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “This program will help train underserved communities in well-paying sustainable tech-related green energy industries in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of the tech capital of the world. There, students in this program will work alongside other programs and companies providing unparalleled networking and other job opportunities. It’s fantastic to see this project begin to become a reality.”

“Our solar photovoltaic workforce certification program combines digital skills education with hands-on solar installation training which will give graduates a significant advantage in the clean energy workforce,” said Robert Wallace, Executive Director of Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute. “Most importantly, we are committed to economic and social justice and will focus our recruitment efforts to those underserved communities who have been left behind.”

There is significant demand for solar photovoltaic installers over next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 52% growth in demand with a median salary of $46,470 annually.

“This program combines that best of hands-on hard skills training with digital education to best prepare students for growing green tech energy jobs to today and tomorrow,” said Steven Markowitz, President of Apex Technical School. “We’ve been educating individuals in New York City for more than sixty years and this is among the most exciting partnerships we’ve been a part of. Students are going to love the world-class classrooms and program offerings offered at Civic Hall @ Union Square.”

Graduates of the solar certificate program will be offered continuing education and upskilling opportunities at Paul Smith’s College, particularly in clean energy and other climate change related programs. Specifically, graduates of the program will be awarded six college credits to continue their education in related fields.

“The vision for Civic Hall has always been to make the most diverse types of high-tech job training available to the most diverse population of New Yorkers,” said Andrew Rasiej, Co-Founder and President of Civic Hall. “This new program for clean energy job training not only demonstrates this commitment to diversity but also supports New York City’s need for a clean energy future.”

About The Fedcap Group
Since 1935, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. The Fedcap Group generates nearly $400M of revenue annually to serve over 250,000+ people each year across an international footprint. The work of The Fedcap Group is structured within four major areas of practice—workforce development, educational services, health services, and economic development— and delivered through a growing number of top-tier companies—each focused on helping people with barriers achieve long term economic well-being.

About Power52’s Clean Energy Access Institute
CEA-Institute, a Fedcap Group partner, prepares individuals for careers in the renewable energy industry. CEA craft instructors are committed to all students no matter their back story. With Power Principle resources, the Institute creates opportunities that give students access to workforce options in this growing industry. CEA-Institute’s Renewable Energy Program training will help students navigate a career with CEA power principles and life-skills; National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) standardized curriculum; PV Solar curriculum to support obtaining North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) credentials; and curriculum to aide with navigating the green environment with project management skills. The Renewable Energy Professional Training class format for individuals is a hybrid setting, both online and in-person, including hands-on laboratory experiences. For anchor institutions with stakeholders who require workforce training, CEA-Institute will design, develop, and deliver custom curriculum solutions.

About APEX Technical School
Since 1961, Apex Technical School has enjoyed a rich tradition of service to New Yorkers who know us well for our adult vocational technical school which offers training in skilled trades. Our hands-on training courses give individuals the basic trade and labor skills needed to secure an entry-level position in the field. Located in Long Island City in Queens, Apex offers 900-hour certificate courses in high demand areas such as: air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive service, welding technology, electrical and advanced electrical, plumbing and construction. All of Apex’s trade programs offer hands-on training in as little as 7 months. Apex is licensed by the New York State Education Department and accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Apex Technical School is a nonprofit organization and a member of The Fedcap Group, an international nonprofit, dedicated to creating opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being.

About Paul Smith’s College
As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s College provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. The college draws on industries and resources available in the region while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. The community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for alumni. The college conducts research and advocacy on issues that improve the planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.

About Civic Hall
Founded in 2015, Civic Hall is one of the nation’s leading organizations focused on learning and collaboration to advance technology and problem-solving for the public good. It has grown into a thriving community with more than 1,000 members and organizations that includes tech companies, government and nonprofit agencies and philanthropic and academic institutions and has become the center for NYC’s efforts to develop a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive technology industry. The Fedcap Group acquired Civic Hall in 2021.

Contact:
The Fedcap Group:
Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)