Discover Clean Energy Careers With Roadtrip Nation

New York’s clean energy investments and ambitious climate goals are creating thousands of new jobs in fields like offshore wind, green buildings, and alternative transportation.

A new documentary series, Empowered State , dives into the diverse and rewarding career opportunities within New York’s growing clean energy economy at this pivotal moment in addressing the climate crisis. The four-part docuseries, which was created by Roadtrip Nation, follows three young adults – Leila Tevlin, David Yang, and Julia Dworetzky – on their 975-mile, three-week journey across New York to explore the many facets of the clean energy transition in their home state and meet the people making it happen.

From Niagara Falls to Long Island, the trio meets with leaders and experts to discuss their career trajectories, motivations for working in sustainability, and the day-to-day of advancing clean energy technologies, investment, and policies in New York. These conversations also delve into fundamental questions about getting started in a clean energy career, building a more diverse and inclusive clean energy economy, and maintaining an optimistic outlook amid the current and looming threats of climate change.

“Not only did it give me hope meeting all these incredibly passionate and talented people working to achieve their vision of sustainability, but I left the road trip feeling better about the many different career paths that are available."

- David Yang, roadtripper and recent Columbia University graduate

Watch the Docuseries

New York’s clean energy economy is bringing jobs and investment to all corners of the Empire State. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or considering a career change, the clean energy industry has opportunities for everyone.

New York’s clean energy workforce has experienced steady growth – nearly 25,000 jobs were added from 2015 to 2021, representing a 17% increase across the industry[1]. However, the coming decade will bring exponential growth in clean energy employment, with around half-a-million New Yorkers expected to be working in clean energy by 2030. As a leader in climate action and clean energy development, New York’s economy will also generate technologies, equipment, and solutions to advance the clean energy transition in other regions of the U.S. and abroad.

A skilled clean energy workforce, spanning manufacturing, installation, and professional services, is needed to shift New York’s buildings, transportation system, and power generation from fossil fuels to renewable and low-carbon energy sources. Recognizing that communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis have been disproportionately impacted by energy costs, pollution, and barriers to employment, NYSERDA is expanding investment in workforce development and training for clean energy jobs, especially for New Yorkers in Disadvantaged Communities.

There are a variety of pathways to a clean energy career. Below are some opportunities for New Yorkers interested in helping power the clean energy future.

Current students, recent graduates, veterans, and other priority populations in New York can get hands-on experience and explore their professional interests while getting paid through New York State’s Clean Energy Internship Program.

The program has a wide range of participating employers that are working to combat climate change and expand the use of clean energy technologies like solar, electric vehicles, and heat pumps.

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NYSERDA is funding paid fellowships at community-based organizations, clean energy businesses, climate tech companies, and other employers advancing climate justice and clean energy in New York’s Disadvantaged Communities. The year-long Climate Justice Fellowship includes training and professional development opportunities to further prepare fellows for a career in clean energy and climate.

Learn More

Continue reading about New York’s efforts to build a clean energy economy for everyone.

Footnotes

Stay up to date on energy-saving programs and incentives, best practices, and more.