Kicks Off with High Demand Training for Placement into Well-Paying, Sustainable Jobs in the Solar Energy Industry; Will be Expanded to Wind Power & Other Renewable Energy Sources in the Future
First Class Enrolled in Solar Training Program are Returning Citizens who Were Formerly Incarcerated to help them Secure Path to Economic Well-Being
Students Who Complete Program Will be Awarded Six College Credits from Paul Smith’s College to Pursue Additional Higher Education Programs
December 13, 2022
Boston, MA—Community Work Services in partnership with Apex Technical School and Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute today announced they are launching a new Clean Energy Institute to train underrepresented communities in high demand, well-paying jobs in solar energy. CWS, Apex Technical School, and Power52 are all affiliates of The Fedcap Group, a nonprofit focused on achieving economic well-being for underserved communities.
The 450-hour solar training program created by Power52 Clean Energy Access and Apex Technical School and taught at CWS will provide training in basic digital skills and financial literacy, as well as micro grids/smart grids and solar energy systems design. In addition, the program will provide hands-on lab training in solar photovoltaic installation including, safety, fall protection, construction, power tools, safe operation, pipe bending, and racking assembly.
The first class of students comprises returning citizens to the community following incarceration. A recent report by the Brookings Institution has found lower recidivism from returning citizens if they have sustainable employment.
Graduates of the 450-hour solar energy training program will receive six college credits from The Fedcap Group’s partner Paul Smith’s College. These credits can be used at Paul Smith’s or other colleges or universities to secure pathways into other certificate and degree programs to participate in additional upskilling to graduates of the Apex Clean Energy Institute.
“The Apex Clean Energy Institute will be a model we will replicate in many underserved communities as a way of providing job skills in high demand sectors that will result in sustainable employment for those too often left behind,” said Christine McMahon, President and CEO of The Fedcap Group. “CWS is doing important work building pathways to economic well-being by connecting individuals, like returning citizens, with an array of programs and educational opportunities from shorter job training programs all the way up to college degrees.”
“CWS has been working with the Boston Community for 145 years, providing high-quality job skills training and employment opportunities, combined with the tools and strategies that enhance our participants’ ability to gain and retain employment,” said Craig Stenning, Executive Director of CWS Boston. “The Clean Energy Access Institute is the next step in our efforts to ensure our participants learn skills that will serve them for many years to come, and with the growing demand for sustainable energy sources, this training is a natural fit.”
“The expected demand for solar photovoltaic installers is expected to grow by 52% over the next decade with a starting median salary near $50,000 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,” said Robert Wallace, Founder and CEO of Power52 Clean Energy Access Institute. “Our training will change the lives of many individuals and their families in a meaningful and positive way. I’m proud of our team that made this happen.” View a video of Robert Wallace speaking at the event.
“The Apex Clean Energy Institute will provide our graduates with the skills necessary to join the growing green energy field. In addition to receiving a certificate students will also receive credits towards a college degree,” said Steve Markowitz, President of Apex Technical School. “Thanks to our partner Paul Smith’s College we are able to create a path for CWS graduates that choose to take the next step and go on to college.”
The launch of the new Apex Clean Energy Institute was made possible by funding from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Commonwealth Corporation, and National Grid Foundation.
The Fedcap Group also thanked the following agencies for their support of the project: City of Boston Public Safety/Office of Workforce Development, Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, Citizens Energy Group, Nexamp, and Resonant Energy.
View a video of the ribbon cutting on YouTube.
About The Fedcap Group
For 87 years, The Fedcap Group has developed scalable, innovative, and potentially disruptive solutions to some of society’s most pressing needs. Serving 340,000 people this past fiscal year, The Fedcap Group provides educational services to every age group, vocational training and job attainment in high-growth industries, as well as support services such as behavioral health services—all targeted to helping people achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The Fedcap Group also invests its time and resources in broader system change—working in partnership with federal, state, and local government to improve the way services are designed, funded, and delivered.
About CWS
Founded in 1877, Community Work Services (CWS) helps people who face barriers to work obtain employment and achieve self-sufficiency through innovative job training, placement and support services. CWS is a company of The Fedcap Group.
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.
Contact:
Susan Walsh, 212-727-4200, (SWalsh@fedcap.org)