ROCKVILLE, Md., June 28, 2024 ~ Goodwill Industries International, a leading organization in workforce development, has announced an expansion of their partnership with General Motors (GM) to enhance clean energy and skilled trades training programs across the United States. This collaboration will see GM providing grant funding for 10 local Goodwill organizations to invest in workforce training programs for in-demand, entry-level skilled trades jobs. This includes the new Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™.

The Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ was co-designed by Goodwill and Accenture and was first introduced at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Talent Forward event last October. The program aims to prepare the workforce for the significant growth of clean energy jobs that is predicted to continue in the future. It is estimated that there will be an 800% increase in electric vehicle infrastructure jobs by 2035. With continued support from Accenture and expertise from training partners ChargerHelp, GRID Alternatives, and BlocPower, GM's grant will help expand the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ to more locations.

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Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, expressed his gratitude for GM's support of their skilled trades and clean energy programs. He stated that this grant will contribute to the long-term development of a cutting-edge jobs training program and provide individuals with living wage employment opportunities.

Currently, four locations - Atlanta, Houston, Nashville, and Detroit - have launched training programs under the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ this year. The goal is to expand to 20 cities and train 7,000 job seekers by 2030. Trainees will receive certification for jobs involving solar and storage, electric vehicle charging or heat pumps, and energy efficiency. In addition to these four markets, GM's funding will also provide career skills and technical training for various automotive-related skilled trade fields in other areas such as Battle Creek, MI; South Bend and Indianapolis, IN; St. Paul, MN; Charlotte, NC; Milwaukee, WI; and Chicago, IL.

Hal Garling, head of grantmaking for corporate giving at GM, shared the company's belief in a future with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. He stated that their investments in a zero-emissions future extend into the community and are done in collaboration with workforce experts like Goodwill. Garling also expressed excitement for the launch of the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ in more communities and the potential it holds for advancing charging infrastructure across the country.

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The Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ aims to bridge a critical talent gap by providing individuals with relevant skills and certifications required for clean energy jobs. These jobs offer opportunities for higher wages and better career advancement. Goodwill's goal is to create equitable access to economic opportunity during the clean energy transition and proactively train job seekers who are underemployed or unemployed. Trainees will be paid as they learn through intensive, hands-on, competency-based training with tailored employment readiness and career placement services.

With this expansion of their partnership, Goodwill and GM are taking significant steps towards preparing individuals for the growing clean energy job market while also promoting economic equity. The impact of this collaboration will be felt not only by job seekers but also by communities across the country as they work towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

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