Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will provide $40 million in annual workforce development funding over the next four years to help build a skilled workforce for advanced nuclear energy in Upstate New York. This initiative supports the Governor’s previous call for NYPA to develop at least one gigawatt of advanced nuclear power in the region. In addition, the NYPA Board of Trustees has awarded $4 million to universities and organizations across the state to expand training programs related to artificial intelligence, electromechanical trades, and advanced power systems.
“New York is leading the clean energy revolution, and NYPA is powering that progress with bold investments in workforce development,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in the advanced nuclear workforce and expanding access to affordable, hands-on training in AI and advanced energy systems, we’re preparing New Yorkers for the high-quality, high-demand jobs of tomorrow — and ensuring every community can share in the benefits of a cleaner, more equitable energy future.”
Starting next year, NYPA will work with technical high schools, community colleges, universities, labor unions, and other providers to use this funding for technical training, retraining programs, coursework, and apprenticeships designed for employment in advanced nuclear energy.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll stated: “New York’s clean-energy transition only works if it comes with real career opportunities for the people who live in our communities. Building on the success of our annual investment of up to $25 million for clean energy training to support the renewable energy sector, the Power Authority will add up to $40 million over four years to develop and retrain the workforce necessary to support advanced nuclear power, providing more opportunities for New Yorkers to pursue careers in this high-demand industry.”
The recently approved $4 million for clean energy workforce training is part of a larger commitment outlined in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget. The legislation also requires NYPA to promote renewable projects that diversify New York’s electric grid. Since 2024, NYPA has allocated more than $41 million towards clean energy training programs supporting over 1,700 trainees and more than 30 organizations across New York State.
The recipients of these awards include The Healthy Home Academy ($911,000), SUNY Buffalo ($832,000), The Green Launchpad ($734,000), Genesee Valley BOCES ($677,000), SUNY Stony Brook ($644,000), and SUNY Binghamton ($203,000). These funds will be used for classroom instruction as well as hands-on learning experiences ranging from home efficiency systems to AI fellowships and new course offerings.
NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel said: “Building on NYPA’s long history of strengthening the Western New York workforce and advancing statewide training programs, the Board’s action today will prepare New Yorkers to thrive in the clean energy economy. The new AI fellowship pairs University at Buffalo students with NYPA’s technical experts to advance clean energy solutions while equipping students to succeed in the classroom, on the job, and throughout their careers.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. commented: “SUNY campuses throughout New York State are world-class research and development institutions as well as key economic drivers that prepare the next generation of New Yorkers for the jobs of the future. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and investment in workforce development.”
President Satish K. Tripathi from SUNY Buffalo added: “I would like to thank Governor Hochul and the New York Power Authority for their commitment to cultivating a clean-energy workforce to power New York State’s future. As a flagship university of New York State, we are proud that UB’s expertise in artificial intelligence and data science will help prepare the next generation of innovators to lead in this rapidly evolving sector and contribute solutions that strengthen our region and state.”
Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith noted: “Stony Brook’s mission centers on driving innovation, economic growth, and workforce development across Long Island…We are grateful to Governor Hochul for today’s announcement that will allow us to prepare more students for successful careers in…clean energy….we applaud the Governor’s visionary investment.”
Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva stated: “I am excited to see the State and SUNY make a bold commitment…to…the talent that will build it….This funding will create transformative opportunities…giving them hands-on experience with emerging technologies…and direct pathways into high-demand…careers….This funding will help us prepare…leaders in sustainable energy for decades to come.”
These initiatives are closely aligned with efforts by the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) aimed at connecting workers—particularly those from underrepresented or disadvantaged communities—to opportunities within clean energy fields.
Earlier this fall,Governor Hochul announced approval by NYPA’s board of $12 million specifically targeted at electric vehicle training programs along with support services such as childcare assistance.
In September,Governor Hochul convened an advanced nuclear energy workforce roundtable involving various stakeholders including labor unions; state agencies; academic institutions; Canadian partners; industry representatives; all focused on collaborative strategies around education & upskilling needs within nuclear sectors.
For further information about these initiatives or details about participating organizations such as NYPA or SUNY, additional resources are available online.