WHITE PLAINS, NY (July 11, 2025) — A new workforce training program in Westchester County is equipping young adults from disadvantaged communities with skills for green energy construction careers, addressing both employment barriers and the demand for sustainable building expertise.
Funded by a New York State Department of Labor Office of Just Energy Transition Renewable Energy Training Initiative grant, the program, led by Liz Oliveto, Youth Program Director at the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, in partnership with Soulful Synergy, trains 18 participants aged 18 and older. Launched in May and concluding July 11, the six-week initiative combines foundational construction certifications with specialized green building credentials and hands-on experience.
“Too often, workforce programs are linear and limited. This one is different,” Oliveto said. “We’re giving participants not just a starting point, but a foundation and options for where they can go next, whether that’s further specialization in green building or jumping directly into a job.”
Participants earn 10 certifications, including OSHA 30, Fall Prevention, Drug & Alcohol Awareness, EPA Section 608, and Building Performance Institute’s Principles of Building Science. They also complete two U.S. Green Building Council GPRO certifications in green building and sustainable construction management. The Site Safety Training Card, encompassing the first three certifications, is essential for construction work in Westchester and New York City.
The program includes hands-on training at 10 workstations, covering skills like framing, electrical wiring, drywall installation, weatherization, insulation, painting, and light fixture installation. “We build our program on a construction-based foundation with the green energy components weaved in, because green energy isn’t standalone,” Oliveto said. “You can’t install solar panels on a building without a proper roof.”
Student Michael Novello highlighted the program’s impact: “I’ve already experienced a lot of personal growth and am getting more confident in what I’m doing. I have a bit of background in a lot of what we’re learning, but it’s learning the right way to do it, understanding why we build the way we build.”
With a low student-to-instructor ratio, sometimes 4:1, the program supports participants facing barriers like financial hardship or lack of transportation. Alejandro Alvarez, CEO and Director of Training at Soulful Synergy, emphasized the human-centered approach: “Thanks to the support from the grant and from Liz Oliveto, our instructors actually have the time and flexibility to support the students as individuals.”
The program also provides wraparound services, including childcare, transportation, housing, food, mental health services, and substance use treatment. Alumni of past programs serve as instructors, fostering a cycle of mentorship.
Job readiness is a core focus, with career coaching on resume writing, interviewing, and professional presentation. “We want our students to walk into interviews with pride,” Alvarez said. “They’ll be able to say, ‘I know these tools. I built this wall. I understand sustainable construction.’”
Soulful Synergy is working to place graduates in green energy jobs across New York City and Westchester. Some students, like Novello, plan to pursue further training in fields like electrical work, while others aim for immediate employment.
The program reflects a commitment to equity and sustainability, ensuring disadvantaged communities benefit from New York’s clean energy transition. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.