New Jersey continues to take bold steps to accelerate its transition to a cleaner future by committing to 100 percent clean energy use by 2035, becoming one of only six states in the US with an energy storage target (2,000 MW by 2030).
The urgency to combat climate change has never been greater, and states like New Jersey are reducing emissions, investing in clean energy, and creating new economic opportunities along the way. But the shift to a greener economy isn’t going to happen overnight. It demands a skilled workforce, ready to step into new careers that not only protect the planet but also provide pathways to economic mobility. Building that workforce requires more than technical training — it calls for an ecosystem of collaboration among businesses, educators, labor unions, and community groups.
One initiative to help bridge the skills gap is New Jersey’s Green Workforce Training Grant, a competitive funding opportunity awarding grants to implement workforce development training programs that bolster the green economy talent pipeline. This Grant Challenge is preparing residents, with a particular focus on overburdened communities, for green economy jobs. Recently, four new awardees were announced who will develop training programs to prepare NJ residents for green economy careers: Elizabeth Development Company of New Jersey; Ideal Education, A NJ Nonprofit Corporation; New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance; and Hugo Neu Realty Management — all demonstrating how strategic partnerships can drive inclusive growth.
Building a comprehensive and effective green economy workforce means taking an all-encompassing approach – tapping into the transferable skills of current workers, expanding education and awareness for students, providing on-the-job training for those already employed, and partnering with unions and trusted community organizations to connect people with real opportunities. As more states push forward, these five principles can make or break a workforce training effort.
1. Let the Industry Lead the Way
Successful training programs don’t just teach skills — they build direct pipelines to jobs, which starts with asking employers what they need. When businesses help design curriculum, vet candidates, and commit to hiring, the result is a stronger bridge between training and employment.
Programs that operate in a vacuum — without clear employer input — risk preparing workers for jobs that don’t exist. Real-world alignment is non-negotiable. Many labor unions already have this best practice in place through employer/employee councils that inform specific training needs. Having employers and trainers at the table from the onset is critical for success.
2. Break Down Barriers to Entry
Even the best training is out of reach if participants can’t get to class, access the internet, or afford the tools and gear that will be needed. Programs must anticipate and eliminate these hurdles, embedding resources and services like transportation stipends, childcare support, housing assistance, and technology access.
This isn’t just a “nice to have” — it’s essential to an equitable workforce where opportunity extends to everyone and a diversity of skills and perspectives strengthens the talent pool to meet the demands of the green economy.
3. Put Communities at the Center
Local organizations know their communities best — who’s looking for work, what challenges they face, and what support they need. Workforce programs integrating trusted community-based organizations (CBOs) tap into this knowledge and credibility.
New Jersey’s Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge requires every program to include a CBO on the team. Some serve as training providers themselves, while others lead outreach or connect participants with critical wraparound services. By structuring grants this way, New Jersey ensures programs reach deeper into communities and remove systemic barriers to access.
True partnership means involving CBOs in program design, delivery, and decision-making — and compensating them fairly for their expertise.
4. Build on What Already Works
Many of the skills needed in the green economy already exist within today’s workforce — they just need fine-tuning. Rather than reinventing the wheel, states and training providers should partner with technical schools, labor unions, and apprenticeship programs to expand offerings.
In New Jersey, institutions like the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center, Camden County Vocational Technical Schools, and Gloucester County Institute of Technology are preparing seasoned trade workers and new entrants with specialized training for green economy jobs, helping create a workforce that is ready, adaptable, and resilient.
Whether it’s electricians learning to install green technologies or welders adapting to new materials, upskilling workers with a technical foundation can speed the transition and create sustainable careers.
5. Make Data Your Blueprint
Without tracking outcomes, it’s impossible to know whether training efforts are hitting the mark. Programs must collect data across every step: recruitment, enrollment, skill acquisition, job placement, and wage growth.
This feedback loop isn’t about checking a box — it’s about learning what works, identifying gaps, and continuously improving. A data-driven approach ensures accountability to participants, employers, and taxpayers alike.
Conclusion
As states mobilize to meet climate goals and build homegrown clean energy industries, workforce training must be a core part of the strategy — not an afterthought.
The most successful programs will blend practical skills with real-world partnerships, community engagement, and a focus on equity. By building training ecosystems that connect people to opportunity, we can power a stronger, more sustainable green economy.
