Goodwill, and General Motors (GM) are expanding their work together to enhance clean energy and skilled trades training programs across the U.S. As part of this effort, GM will provide grant funding for 10 local Goodwill organizations to invest in workforce training programs for in-demand, entry-level skilled trades jobs, including the new Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator?. Goodwill and Accenture announced the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator?, a co-designed clean energy jobs program, at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Talent Forward event last October. The collaboration was created to prepare the workforce for the significant clean energy job growth that is predicted to continue to expand in the future.

It is expected that electric vehicle infrastructure jobs will increase by more than 800% by 2035. With continued support from Accenture, and with expertise from training partners ChargerHelp, GRID Alternatives and BlocPower, GM is providing a grant that will scale the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator? to more locations.

Four Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator locations launched training programs this year in Atlanta, Houston, Nashville and Detroit, with a goal to grow to 20 cities and train 7,000 job seekers by 2030. Trainees are certified for jobs involving solar and storage, electric vehicle charging or heat pumps and energy efficiency. In addition to the four markets mentioned above, GM funding will teach career skills and technical training for a variety of automotive-related skilled trade fields in other areas, including Battle Creek, MI; South Bend and Indianapolis, IN; St.

Paul, MN; Charlotte, NC; Milwaukee, WI; and Chicago, IL. The Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator fills a critical talent gap by providing people with the relevant skills and certifications required for clean energy jobs that offer opportunities for higher wages and better career advancement. Goodwill aims to create equitable access to economic opportunity during the clean energy transition and will proactively train job seekers who are underemployed or unemployed.

Trainees are paid as they learn through intensive, hands-on, competency-based training with tailored employment readiness and career placement services.