- Career Support
- Clean Tech Accelerator
Powering Sustainable Careers
The Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ (GCTA) delivers hands-on training for in-demand clean energy jobs so you can gain industry certifications, grow your earning potential and launch a meaningful career in the booming
clean tech sector.
Skilling and Scaling the Clean Energy Workforce
The U.S. clean energy sector is booming — with job growth on track to triple by mid-2030s. Nearly 40% of these jobs don’t require degrees. Yet, many employers are struggling to find trained talent. We launched our Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) program to bridge the gap between job seekers and businesses — and we do so through intensive, in-person, multiweek, certification-based courses that help put people in jobs and on the path to a career in clean energy.
Enhancing the Clean Tech Workforce, One Job at a Time
The clean energy sector is on track to triple in size by the mid-2030s, with nearly 40% of jobs not requiring a degree. Yet, employers struggle to find skilled talent. GCTA bridges this gap through intensive, in-person courses and industry-recognized credentials — putting people to work and on the path to lifelong opportunity.
Future Trainee
Increase your earning potential and break into an industry that’s seeing unprecedented growth! The GCTA gives you the hands-on experience you need to start a new career. Graduates of this program earn, on average, $20/hr or more in their first clean tech position.
We include a mix of technical and employment readiness training, career navigation, student stipends and job placement support. Our mission is to expand the number of qualified clean energy technicians and installers, get them to work quickly and put them on pathways for continuous professional progression.
-
Paid Training
This program comes with stipends to support you while you upskill into a new career. -
Growing Field
Every year, we’re seeing more jobs available in the clean tech industry -
Job Placement Support
After graduation, we’ll help you find a job that’s right for you. -
Open to Beginners
There’s no degree required; all job seekers interested in joining the clean tech workforce are encouraged to apply.
-
Step 1
Determine which training path you’re interested in. -
Step 2
Check below if your preferred training path is available in your area and when the next cohort begins. -
Step 3
Reach out to your local Goodwill career center to learn more about the enrollment process.
Solar Installation
Nashville, TN
HVAC/Heat Pump Installation
Houston, TX
EVSE Technician
Atlanta, GA
Detroit, MI
Coming Soon
Albuquerque, NM
Columbus, OH
Houston, TX
Coming Soon
Atlanta, GA
Greenville, SC
Coming Soon
Denver, CO
Employer
Finding and training new employees can cost employers up to $10,000 per employee. Let Goodwill connect you with passionate, skilled job seekers through the GCTA. Our graduates have the hands-on experience and certifications your business needs.
In addition to attending a multiweek, 40 hr/week program and demonstrating the ability to show up and commit to future employers, all of our trainees gain:
- Workplace safety certifications (OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Construction skills and certifications
- Industry-specific skills and credentials
- Customer service skills
Solar Installation
Nashville, TN
HVAC/Heat Pump Installation
Houston, TX
EVSE Technician
Atlanta, GA
Detroit, MI
Coming Soon
Albuquerque, NM
Columbus, OH
Houston, TX
Coming Soon
Atlanta, GA
Greenville, SC
Coming Soon
Denver, CO
Potential Partner
The GCTA was launched in 2024 in partnership with Accenture and GM. We launched this comprehensive cohort-based training with the intention of removing barriers to employment and accelerating access to entry-level clean energy jobs with training paths for solar installation, HVAC/heat pump installation and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) technicians. We include a mix of technical and employment readiness training, career navigation, student stipends and job placement support. Our mission is to expand the number of qualified clean energy technicians and installers, get them to work quickly and put them on pathways for continuous professional progression.
There are a variety of ways that other companies, nonprofits and government agencies can partner with the GCTA. We’re currently looking for support teaching trainees, funding our programs, finding jobs for our graduates and connecting trainees to other resources. We’d love to speak with you to discover how we can help each other, the people we serve and the planet.
Solar Installation
Atlanta
Houston
Nashville
Detroit
HVAC/Heat Pump Installation
Cities planned for expansion by 2030
EVSE Technician
Job seekers estimated to be trained by the program by 2030
Michael was struggling with grief for his recently departed sister when he decided to resign from his job as a custom glass installer. He wanted a new career but wasn’t sure where to turn. He applied to the GCTA through Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc.
The four-week solar installation program and weekly stipend were just what he needed to learn a new trade while also being able to pay his bills. After graduation, he secured employment with LightWave Solar, a Goodwill partner.
“The instructors did such a phenomenal job, and it was truly one of the best short-term education programs I’ve received,” Michael said. “It not only prepared me for the field but also had a huge impact on my life when I needed it most.”
Training Paths
Solar Installation
This four-week course covers electrical energy fundamentals, safety standards, the basics of residential solar and storage installation, steps to commission a solar and storage system, common maintenance tasks, solar site evaluation and customer service excellence.
Learn moreShow less
Enrolled job seekers receive
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- IronRidge’s Solar Installer Certification
- GRID Alternatives’ Certification for Junior Solar & Storage Installation
- Customer service skills
- Career navigation support
Currently available
- Nashville, TN –Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee, Inc
Coming soon
- Houston, TX – Goodwill Houston
- Albuquerque, NM – Goodwill of New Mexico
- Columbus, OH – Goodwill Columbus
HVAC/Heat Pump Installation
This five-week course covers HVAC fundamentals, building science, heat pump installation and maintenance, troubleshooting, customer service, energy modeling, and Manual J calculations.
Learn moreShow less
Enrolled job seekers receive
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- EPA 608 Universal Certification
- Climate and Community Lab (the workforce development arm of BlocPower) Heat Pump Installer Certification
- Customer service skills
- Employment readiness training
- Career navigation support
Currently available
- Houston, TX – Goodwill Houston
Coming soon
- Atlanta, GA – Goodwill of North Georgia
- Greenville, SC – Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Technician
This four-week course covers electrical energy basics, electric vehicle (EV) supply equipment mechanics, commissioning and maintenance (preventative and corrective), energy systems and grid operations, EV batteries, proper and safe EV charging, electrical codes and safety standards, commissioning, common maintenance tasks, and customer service excellence.
Learn moreShow less
Enrolled job seekers receive
- Increased earning potential
- Connections to local companies hiring now
- A chance to join the growing clean tech industry
- Workplace safety certifications (such as OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)
- Basic construction skills and certification
- Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace Certification/National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E
- ChargerHelp!’s EVSE O&M Certification
- Customer service skills
- Employment readiness training
- Career navigation support
Currently available
- Atlanta, GA –Goodwill of North Georgia
- Detroit, MI –Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
Coming soon
- Denver, CO – Goodwill of Colorado
Training Schedule
There are currently eight cities running cohorts within the GCTA program. Please refer to the calendar shown below for cohort city, corresponding course type and dates for each training session.
-
Open
EVSE TechnicianColorado09/21- 10/16 -
Open
EVSE TechnicianColorado11/10- 12/09Apply by Oct 8 -
Open
HVAC/ Heat Pump InstallationAtlanta11/10- 12/15Apply by Dec 1 -
Open
EVSE TechnicianColorado01/12- 02/06Apply by Dec 5 -
Open
EVSE TechnicianHouston01/19- 02/13Apply by Jan 9 -
Open
EVSE TechnicianAtlanta01/19- 02/13Apply by Jan 26
Why Partner With Goodwill?
For over 120 years, Goodwill has powered the circular economy and helped people in local communities access life-changing job opportunities.
Our network is the largest workforce development nonprofit in the U.S., connecting job seekers with skills, resources, and local employers. Through innovative programs like the Clean Tech Accelerator, we remove barriers to employment and help communities—and the planet—thrive.
Established partnerships with local community resources
Connecting job seekers to opportunities that strengthen their communities.
Strengthened relationships with local employers
Connecting skilled workers with businesses seeking qualified talent.
GCTA National Strategic Partners
GCTA Impact Partners
GCTA Training Partners
Ben
Solar installation student in Nashville
$5M Boost for Goodwill’s Clean Tech Workforce Initiativ
Goodwill® proudly participates in the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. This effort leverages the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ model to equip job seekers and career advancers with the employability and technical skills needed for good jobs in renewable energy and transportation sectors. A $5,000,000 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor will support Goodwill and its subgrantees with program implementation through 2029. Goodwills provide an added 15 percent through in-kind contributions worth $750,000.
Join us as a Goodwill partner
Explore how your organization can collaborate with Goodwill to drive change and open new possibilities for growth, purpose, and community engagement.
