Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) will allocate $40 million in annual workforce development funding over the next four years to build a skilled workforce for advanced nuclear energy projects in Upstate New York. This initiative follows the Governor’s June directive for NYPA to develop at least one gigawatt of advanced nuclear power in the region.
The NYPA Board of Trustees approved this funding and also awarded $4 million to universities and organizations to expand programs preparing New Yorkers for careers in artificial intelligence, electromechanical trades, and advanced power systems. These efforts are intended to address evolving demands within the renewable energy sector.
“New York is leading the clean energy revolution, and NYPA is powering that progress with bold investments in workforce development,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in the advanced nuclear workforce and expanding access to affordable, hands-on training in AI and advanced energy systems, we’re preparing New Yorkers for the high-quality, high-demand jobs of tomorrow — and ensuring every community can share in the benefits of a cleaner, more equitable energy future.”
Starting next year, NYPA will collaborate with technical high schools, community colleges, universities, labor unions, and other partners to create technical training, retraining programs, coursework, and apprenticeships focused on employment opportunities within advanced nuclear energy.
NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll stated: “New York’s clean-energy transition only works if it comes with real career opportunities for the people who live in our communities. Building on the success of our annual investment of up to $25 million for clean energy training to support the renewable energy sector, the Power Authority will add up to $40 million over four years to develop and retrain the workforce necessary to support advanced nuclear power, providing more opportunities for New Yorkers to pursue careers in this high-demand industry.”
The recently approved $4 million stems from a broader commitment outlined in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget for up to $25 million annually toward clean energy workforce training. The budget also tasked NYPA with advancing renewable projects that diversify New York’s electric grid. Since 2024, NYPA has committed more than $41 million toward clean energy training programs across over 30 organizations statewide.
Award recipients include:
– The Healthy Home Academy (Brewster): $911,000 for classroom and practical learning related to home performance and efficient heating/cooling.
– State University of New York at Buffalo: $832,000 for an AI fellowship program with NYPA experts.
– The Green Launchpad (Statewide): $734,000 for expanded clean energy building fundamentals and technical labs.
– Genesee Valley BOCES (Mount Morris): $677,000 for electro-mechanical trades programming.
– State University of New York at Stony Brook: $644,000 for its inaugural Power Pathways Workforce Readiness program covering solar technology and other fields.
– State University of New York at Binghamton: $203,000 supporting new courses on systems dynamics/simulation as well as internships.
NYPA Chairman John R. Koelmel commented: “Building on NYPA’s long history of strengthening the Western New York workforce and advancing statewide training programs, the Board’s action today will prepare New Yorkers to thrive in the clean energy economy. The new AI fellowship pairs University at Buffalo students with NYPA’s technical experts to advance clean energy solutions while equipping students to succeed in the classroom, on the job, and throughout their careers.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said: “SUNY campuses throughout New York State are world-class research and development institutions as well as key economic drivers that prepare the next generation of New Yorkers for the jobs of the future. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership and investment in workforce development.”
University leaders from SUNY Buffalo (Satish K. Tripathi), Stony Brook (Andrea Goldsmith), and Binghamton (Anne D’Alleva) also expressed gratitude toward Governor Hochul’s administration and highlighted how these funds would provide students with practical experience using emerging technologies as well as pathways into high-impact careers.
NYPA’s funding aligns with ongoing efforts by agencies such as the Department of Labor (NYSDOL) aimed at connecting workers—especially those from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds—to opportunities within clean energy industries. In fall 2025,Governor Hochul announced an additional approval by NYPA trustees allocating $12 million toward electric vehicle training programs alongside support services such as childcare or transportation assistance through NYSDOL funds.
Earlier this year,Governor Hochul convened an advanced nuclear workforce roundtable bringing together state agencies like NYSERDA; labor groups; educational institutions; utilities; industry representatives from both sides of U.S.-Canada border; all focused on education collaboration around nuclear sector skills development.
For further details about these initiatives visit the official website.
