GREENFIELD — State Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer joined two panels of speakers at Greenfield Community College last week to discuss the Climate Service Corps, a new state-funded program designed to prepare young adults for careers in the clean energy sector.
Administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), the Climate Service Corps provides funding to organizations to establish career training programs that are focused on energy efficiency, as well as clean heating and cooling systems. Discussion of the new program preceded a graduation ceremony that day for the college’s first cohort of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) students.
“The horse is out of the barn — clean energy transition is happening. It is happening all around the world. You know, unfortunately, I think you know what’s occurring here is really just impeding and diminishing American competitiveness in that market,” Hoffer said. “For folks who are worried about what it means, I’m here to tell you … I have never seen folks more energized. I have never seen the presence of corporate America engaged in this discussion at the level that I did this time around — states, cities, leading nonprofits, philanthropy stepping up in an incredible way, private investors looking for ways to get in and support work, looking for [clean energy] projects. I am bringing that message of hope.”
Hoffer mentioned the inaugural graduating class of Greenfield Community College’s HVAC cohort will be able to take part in the state’s “wave of electrification,” which includes the growth of a number of industries, such as offshore wind and heat pump installation.
The climate chief added that while bringing the state closer to its goal of emitting net-zero greenhouse gases by 2050, the initiative will help young people access careers in high-paying fields.
“This can bring real climate solutions to our neighborhoods … things like weatherization, which we know immediately reduces costs and also improves indoor air quality and just the quality of life at home, energy-efficiency upgrades and community education to gain skills, credentials, work experience that prepare folks for meaningful jobs in clean energy,” she told those gathered at GCC on Friday. “As we move forward, I know all of you are committed to connecting young people to careers, strengthening communities and accelerating our move to the clean energy transition.”
MassCEC announced last week that it awarded GCC a $374,995 grant to deliver industry skills training and career readiness activities in energy efficiency and building science occupations to 22 students in partnership with the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board and MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center’s YouthWorks program.
“GCC Workforce Development’s partnership with MassCEC has allowed us to expand training programs for climate-critical careers. These careers will advance the commonwealth’s ambitious climate goals and provide meaningful sustainable wages right here in Franklin County,” GCC President Michelle Schutt said. “This investment builds upon GCC’s longstanding commitment to clean energy and environmental sustainability.”
“Where we see ourselves fitting in in this support system is really focusing on what somebody needs to be able to not just get a job, but to be able to maintain a career. There’s a really big difference there,” Young Adult Career Programs Manager Zach Podhorzer said during the panel. “By working in partnership with GCC and partnering with businesses for these opportunities, we all come together to make sure that the young folks that are here in our region are able to recognize there’s value in this part of the state.”
Other panelists, such as program graduate Jae’Kwon O’Connor, said he liked working with his hands and was inspired to take part in the HVAC program by his late cousin, who was going to apply to join the HVAC union.
“I just want to say thank you to everybody that was involved with this program. It means a lot to all of us, especially my fellow classmates tonight. Thank you for the opportunity,” O’Connor said. “I really never knew [anything] about this until about a year ago, when I found out about this program. I was always good with my hands, but I couldn’t tell you what a heat pump was four months ago. I’m very thankful for this program.”
“Congratulations for reaching this incredible milestone,” Schutt told the HVAC program graduates, mentioning how they succeeded in the “rigorous” 17-week program. “This is not the end. This is just the beginning, because the skills you have learned are the foundations of an incredible career.”
Earlier this month, Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher issued a statement encouraging all Greenfield residents to take advantage of federal tax credits for clean energy and energy-efficient home improvements, some of which are set to expire soon.
Residential clean energy credits can earn residents back 30% of the total cost associated with installing solar panels, battery storage and geothermal systems until Dec. 31. Residents can also claim up to $2,000 for a new heat pump and up to $1,200 for other energy-efficient upgrades, such as insulation. This credit is likewise valid until Dec. 31.
Until June 30, 2026, residents can receive credits of up to $1,000 for installing an electric vehicle charger in their homes.
“These federal tax credits represent a fantastic opportunity for Greenfield residents to make smart financial and environmental choices,” Desorgher said in a statement. “Whether you’re looking to … install solar panels or upgrade your home’s insulation, there is a significant financial incentive waiting for you. Don’t miss out on these savings that will not only put money back in your pocket but also help us build a more sustainable community.”