“There is a technological seismic shift in the energy sector underway as New York moves to a clean energy economy and we must help ensure that NYPA — and all New York energy workers — are equipped to meet the challenge,” Justin Driscoll, acting president and CEO of NYPA, said. The Power Authority’s partnership with […]
“There is a technological seismic shift in the energy sector underway as New York moves to a clean energy economy and we must help ensure that NYPA — and all New York energy workers — are equipped to meet the challenge,” Justin Driscoll, acting president and CEO of NYPA, said.
The Power Authority’s partnership with ESAMTAC follows legislation that Gov. Kathy Hochul enacted in the 2023-24 state budget. It includes authority for NYPA to contribute up to $25 million annually to the New York State Department of Labor (DOL) for workforce development in the renewable-energy sector.
As interest in energy storage and microgrids “continues to grow at an unprecedented rate,” New York needs to “fully implement a dedicated and technology-savvy” workforce training and certification program to meet the demand, NYPA contends.
ESAMTAC is expanding from physical labs to now include a virtual-reality lab experience that will enable trainees to participate in the course and certification exam completely online. It’ll enable many more electricians — and the organizations that employ them — to “become leaders” in the field of sustainable energy, NYPA said.
The virtual-reality training initiative will harness new technology, teach new skills, and “champion the industry’s highest safety standards.”
As the market continues to grow and evolve, ESAMTAC will continue to update training and certification materials to ensure that graduates are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge needed to meet the demands of the industry, NYPA said.
ESAMTAC has been providing advanced training and certification in the installation and maintenance of energy storage and microgrid systems to licensed electricians since 2017.