Cypress Creek Renewables Announces New York Solar Job Training Initiative

Cypress Creek Renewables today announced the launch of an ambitious partnership with Hudson Valley Community College’s Workforce Development Institute to strengthen New York’s energy workforce and grow the state’s clean energy economy.

The initiative, which includes a $25,000 investment by Cypress Creek, will help reduce course fees for students interested in solar job training, with a focus on recruiting more women, veterans, and underrepresented communities to the industry.

Cypress Creek Renewables also announced today a plan to invest over $500 million to develop and build 750 MW of solar in the Empire State. Together, these projects will create over 1,500 local construction jobs and power more than 80,000 homes with clean, affordable energy.

“We are deeply committed to bringing low-cost, clean energy to New York and we need a skilled, local workforce to accomplish our goals,” said Matt McGovern, CEO of Cypress Creek Renewables. “Our partnership with Hudson Valley Community College will help ensure we have access to the right people—now and in the future—as we build out our growing pipeline of solar projects in the state.”

“With this new partnership, Hudson Valley will reach a broader and more diverse talent pool to train the growing number of people interested in entering the state’s clean energy economy,” said HVCC President Drew Matonak. “We appreciate Cypress Creek’s recognition of our Workforce Development Institute as a leader in the clean energy field, and we will be reaching out to our community partners to develop interest in this training.”

New York is currently home to over 8,000 solar professionals. Proactive investment in workforce development and training programs could increase this number to 20,000 over the next decade.

Congressman Paul D. Tonko said, “Solar energy is a major growth industry that is creating jobs and opportunity for communities across America including here in our own backyard. Our capital region workforce has the potential to seize economic opportunities coming out of this trend, but only if we develop the skills necessary to keep our region competitive. Ensuring that we have the human capital to support this burgeoning industry will help us continue to be a national and global leader in clean energy jobs and technological development.”

“Workforce development partnerships are essential to bridge the gap between companies looking to grow and expand, and workers who need to learn the necessary skills in today’s changing economy,” said Senator George Amedore. “As New York becomes a major producer in renewable energy, we need to prepare our workforce for the clean energy jobs of the future. The Cypress Creek Renewables and Hudson Valley Community College partnership is a step in the right direction to securing a cleaner and greener future for New Yorkers.”

“This initiative will provide our local communities with the tools to develop a solar workforce that can help to grow the state’s clean energy economy while connecting our residents to jobs and a sustainable career,” said Assembly member John T. McDonald III. “Thank you to these partners for collaborating on this effort and I look forward to seeing it develop.”

“Solar energy technology is vital for our transition to a renewable energy future and a green economy,” said Assembly member Patricia Fahy. “As this industry grows and changes I’m glad to see companies like Cypress Creek making investments in training the workforce for this high growth industry.”

“Investment in renewable energy technology and training programs are essential to creating local jobs and fostering economic growth in communities like Troy,” said City of Troy Mayor Patrick Madden. “The partnership between Hudson Valley Community College and Cypress Creek Renewables will assist in training the 21st century workforce needed to meet the growing needs of the region’s renewable energy economy and build healthier, greener communities across New York.”

Our partnership with Hudson Valley Community College will help to grow and expand the college’s successful Workforce Development Institute and strengthen the state’s energy workforce!