Clean Energy Careers
What we Do
The Clean Energy Careers program is a workforce development initiative delivered through Xcel Energy’s Partners in Energy program to build a skilled, diverse clean energy workforce in Colorado.
Launched in 2025, it focuses on expanding career pathways in high-demand fields such as home energy auditing, insulation and air sealing, and heat pump installation.
The program supports this work by providing competitive grants to workforce development organizations, nonprofits, and community groups, along with training and incentives for contractors. It also emphasizes partnerships, education, and outreach, particularly in rural and underserved communities, to prepare new workers and upskill existing ones for careers in beneficial electrification and energy efficiency.
Why It Matters
The Clean Energy Careers program creates tangible economic and community benefits by connecting people to stable, in-demand jobs while helping meet the growing need for skilled workers in the clean energy sector.
As investments in electrification and energy efficiency increase, communities need trained professionals to deliver these solutions, and Clean Energy Careers helps fill that gap by funding training programs, reducing barriers to workforce participation, and building local talent pipelines.
For communities, this means more access to qualified contractors, stronger local economies, and greater capacity to implement clean energy projects, while ensuring that the transition to a cleaner energy future is inclusive and accessible to a broader range of residents.
2026 – 2027 program Offerings
Competitive Grants
Grants are offered through an open grant program to workforce development organizations, businesses and community groups engaged in growing and upskilling the clean energy workforce in education, training and wrap around services.
Applications are now closed for the 2026 – 2027 program cycle.
trade Partner Support
Clean Energy Careers provides technical assistance, incentives, and trainings to the Xcel Energy Trade Partner network. Contact us for more information about these opportunities.
apprentices in HVAC & Heat Pump
Clean Energy Careers is partnering with the African American Trade Association (AATA) and Xcel Energy Trade Partners to launch a new HVAC & Heat Pump Registered Apprenticeship Program beginning August 2026.
Get Rewarded for engaging Youth
Help inspire the next generation of clean energy workers while earning a stipend for your time and expertise. Applications are closed for 2026. Stay tuned for the next application cycle.
Trainings
Clean Energy Careers offers Xcel Energy Trade Partners various training opportunities to expand their skills.
The Tiered Geographic Prequalification Program is part of Xcel Energy’s broader effort to improve energy efficiency, support Clean Heat Plan goals, and reduce energy costs for income-qualified customers, especially those in Disproportionately Impacted Communities (DICs).
Watch our online modules and attend in person trainings. Dates are announced on the website.
Once you attend in person trainings, you will be invited to additional training opportunities including the Mobile Home Performance Training that is focused on insulation and air sealing techniques. This is designed specifically for contractors who already have general insulation and air sealing experience but want to build confidence working on mobile home projects – a growing opportunity within Xcel Energy programs.
Start Your Journey in Clean Energy
Interested in exploring opportunities in Colorado’s growing clean energy industry? Our Smart Energy Careers page provides introductory information about clean energy career pathways, in-demand occupations, training opportunities, and workforce resources. Whether you’re considering a career change, exploring training options, or learning more about jobs in the energy sector, this resource can help you take the next step and discover opportunities that support Colorado’s clean energy future.