Design

See an index of all documents from example states in the Library.

Consider Whether this Program In a Box is Right for Your State

To pursue a workforce development program, begin by asking whether your state seeks to expand the workforce of a particular energy industry sector, or to expand the overall industry labor pool.

	Maryland OSW Workforce Training Program	New York OTJ for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Businesses
Workforce Need	Targets a specific energy sector (offshore wind) poised for significant growth, that faces a trained worker shortage.	Targets existing businesses to subsidize on-the-job training.

Goals and Name

Developing program goals is an opportunity to communicate to internal agency staff and external stakeholders the purpose and nature of the program — clearly and concisely. Updating the goal statement over time memorializes key changes to program scale, scope and details.

Naming the program is an important step in the process of branding and advertising.

Recommendations for a program name:

Reflect the goals of the program
Solicit recommendations from participating agencies and organizations

Budget and Staffing

Before finalizing the program design, consider budget allocations and staffing requirements for agencies involved.

	Maryland OSW Workforce Training Program	New York OTJ for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Businesses
Budget	$800,000 for FY23	$15 million available through Dec. 2024
Maximum Grant Award	$400,000 per applicant, not to exceed 75% of the total project cost	Business reimbursement rate varies by size of business, clean energy sector, and type of worker hired. Maximum funding per hire is $21,120. $150,000 maximum per business, with no cap on hiring from priority populations / disadvantaged communities. See Program Opportunity Notice 3982 for more detail.

Eligibility Criteria

Clearly define which organizations and businesses are eligible to apply for workforce development funding.

	Maryland OSW Workforce Training Program	New York OTJ for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Businesses
Eligible Recipients	Emerging businesses, nonprofits, state/local/municipal governments, higher education institutions	Businesses in the energy efficiency and clean energy sector, based on a defined eligible technologies list.
Allowable Funding Uses	Capital expenses to offset training center expansions and purchase of training equipment; and operating expenses for curriculum development, training materials and instructor salaries	Funding directly subsidizes a percentage of a new worker’s wage to reduce risks for businesses hiring new employees. Businesses can choose to use the funds to offset training costs or for employment recruitment and/or retention incentives.

Program Administration

	Maryland OSW Workforce Training Program	New York OTJ for Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Businesses
Funding Administration	MEA staff announce annual solicitation, review, and awarding funding to applicants.	NYSERDA staff review applications on a rolling basis until funding/program expires.
Ongoing Programmatic Support	MEA staff work with grantees on developing grant agreements.	NYSERDA and NY Department of Labor staff work with participating businesses and hires to develop a training plan which outlines the skills and knowledge workers will learn on the job. NYSERDA staff provide payments to participating businesses on an ongoing basis.