Xcel Energy is supporting organizations that are building the clean energy future with a new workforce development program for Colorado. The Clean Energy Careers program (CEC) is intended to be comprehensive, serving both job seekers and the existing workforce, as well as strategically amplifying current efforts. This program was developed to support the implementation of Xcel Energy’s Clean Heat Plan, which is bringing more than $400 million to Colorado to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To help focus efforts, Clean Energy Careers is initially focusing on supporting careers related to home energy audits, insulation and air sealing, and technicians installing heat pump technology.
CEC supports all of Xcel Energy’s Colorado communities. For certain program components, CEC focuses on areas in Xcel Energy territory that have historically had less investment in the workforce, including the High Country, the Western Slope, and Southern Colorado, with the intent of developing a labor resource pool to better enable beneficial electrification.
What Are We Offering?
CEC includes a number of financial and technical support offerings open to workforce development stakeholders, including, but not limited to educators, workforce centers, trade associations, contractors, and community based organizations. Participants are encouraged to explore ways to combine these offerings in ways that foster collaboration and increase impact. We are looking for a limited number of organizations to support with funding to enhance their reach and service in 2025 with additional availability expected in 2026. A summary of offerings is listed below.
Grant Funding
- Build a talent pipeline of skilled workers through:
- Developing workforce education and training – 2 grants up to $150,000 each
- Promoting the trades to middle and high schoolers – Contractors can apply for $2,000 stipends to help us achieve this
- Developing and launching new marketing initiatives to recruit new workers – Up to $35,000 in grants
- Applications are now closed.
- Strengthen current programs with new or expanded wrap-around services to reduce barriers – 3 grants up to $20,000 each
- Applications are now closed.
- Applications are now closed.
- Upskill the current workforce:
- Contractor Training on Disproportionately Impacted Communities
- Whole Home Approach: stipends to contractors
- Stay tuned for future opportunities in these areas!
No Cost, Technical Support
Technical support is provided by the Clean Energy Careers program and can include marketing, facilitation, content development and printing support.
- Strengthen the clean energy workforce ecosystem:
- Develop a new Workforce Network or expand a current one
- Applications are now closed.
- Support for Workforce Centers
- Stay tuned for future opportunities in these areas!
- Community Energy Planning with a Workforce Development Focus
- Stay tuned for future opportunities in these areas!
- Stay tuned for future opportunities in these areas!
- Develop a new Workforce Network or expand a current one
- Upskill the current workforce: Support for organizations delivering heat pump trainings
- Applications are now closed.
Take the Next Step!
Grant Opportunities
Technical Support
For Workforce Development Networks
Questions?
Send us an email at
CleanEnergyCareers@brendlegroup.com