Funded Projects

Alfred University:  Growing the Offshore Wind Workforce through Rapid Expansion of Electrician and Welding

This project aims to train a set number of welders and electricians, annually, for the offshore wind industry through expansion. It will collaborate with local providers to strengthen the offshore wind training pipeline by recruiting students from their secondary-level technical programs and incorporate labor interests in career planning for program graduates.

Farmingdale State College: MWBE, Online Training Workshops for Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Small Startups in the Offshore Wind Industry

This project will provide a series of short, non-credit bearing workshops that will allow participants educational opportunities without having to take extended time away from their businesses and to which they may apply to their operations immediately. Provide flexible and accessible training to MWBE's and small startups at no cost to eligible learners.

Farmingdale State College: Offshore Wind Workforce Development Microcredential

This project will develop a micro-credential program offering specialized offshore wind technology courses, to be completed in two semesters. It emphasizes addressing immediate industry needs, particularly in monitoring wind turbine blade structural integrity and diagnosing micro-cracks.

Farmingdale State College: Wind Turbine Technician Certificate GWO Training

This project will create a 32-credit in-person safety training program aligned with Global Wind Organization (GWO) standards. It will integrate mechanical and electrical engineering principles, focusing on wind turbine operation and maintenance with hands-on educational equipment. The inclusion of GWO training enhances the academic credential, allowing participants to gain practical experience and improve workforce readiness.

Hudson Valley Community College: Enhanced Metal Fabrication Pathways for the OSW Industry in the Capital Region

The project will enhance an existing Metal Fabrication program by (1) adding submerged-arc welding instruction and practice, (2) including nondestructive testing coursework and practice, and (3) creating new certificates, micro-credentials, and non-credit workforce development programs to meet immediate training needs with shorter academic pathways. It will aim to reach out to individuals transitioning from related technical fields or new to metal fabrication, including non-traditional learners, low-income individuals, and those who haven't previously considered college.

Maritime: To Establish a Global Wind Organization (GWO) Training Center

This project will create a Dual Certificate program in offshore wind, enabling students to obtain GWO certification at Maritime before enrolling at Farmingdale State College. It will also set up a GWO Training Center in NYC. This initiative aims to encourage K-12 students to consider offshore wind careers by establishing a local training center and expanding outreach from one-day events to multi-week career development camps for underrepresented and non-traditional populations.

SUNY Poly: SUNY Poly Offshore Wind Training Team (SPOWT2)

This project aims to enhance engineering and engineering technology fields by introducing hands-on projects, labs, and experiential learning opportunities to inspire and prepare students for offshore wind careers. It will offer micro-credentials and advanced certificates for professionals seeking to join the offshore wind workforce and establish an undergraduate research program in this field. Additionally, a K-12 summer camp program will promote offshore wind and renewable energy, and scholarships will be used to attract underrepresented students to these programs.

Stony Brook University: SUPERWIND - SBU Program for UPskilling, Empowering and Reskilling Workforce for Offshore WIND Sector

This project aims to develop high-quality offshore wind (OSW) training materials to address workforce gaps and prepare trainees for growing OSW careers. It will expand existing CEAS programs by incorporating OSW curriculum and offering micro-credentials to equip professionals with necessary skills. 

Suffolk County Community: Strengthening the Wind Energy Education Pipeline (SWEEP)

This project will create an annual 45-hour Summer High School Offshore Wind Turbines course, with hands-on lab engagement and transportation provided. Additionally, a dual certification program will be developed for adult learners and transitioning workers, offering industry-validated certification in welding and composites through the Institute for Workforce Advancement. The project also involves creating Offshore Wind Career Exploration Modules in collaboration with the National Offshore Wind Training Center.

University at Buffalo: Leveraging the Power of SUNY to Achieve NY’s Offshore Wind Energy Goals

This project will collaborate with employers, workforce boards, organized labor, and community-based organizations to improve courses that raise awareness of career opportunities and education paths for underrepresented groups and displaced workers in Western New York. It involves updating an existing Renewable Energy course, hosting informational sessions, creating a webpage with OSW training information from SUNY, and producing an outcomes report.