Summer Program Equips Students with Green Energy Skills

Nearly 100 high school students from across the state are heading back to school with technical certifications in green building and energy efficiency. 

Students from Enfield, Hartford, New Britain, New Haven, Stamford, and Torrington participated in Energize Connecticut’s Green STEP summer training sponsored by Eversource and AVANGRID subsidiaries United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas, and Connecticut Natural Gas.

“It is exciting to see the next generation of trade professionals armed with the tools they need to be successful in their careers,” AVANGRID Conservation and Load Management senior manager Hammad Chaudhry said.

“We hope that, as this program continues, we build more interest in our trades and help Connecticut address its skilled workforce shortage.”

Program Highlights 

The paid-to-train program, taught by certified industry experts, was held throughout the summer in New Haven. 

Students could choose between three educational tracks – weatherization and existing building upgrades, HVAC systems and decarbonization, and green building and new construction. 

“Last year, investments in clean energy supported over 43,000 jobs in Connecticut,” Eversource director of energy efficiency Ron Araujo said. “Like other trade industries, though, the need for skilled professionals is great.

“We are honored to support these young people in their aspirations and provide them with the education and training they need to secure careers in the green building and energy efficiency industries.”

As part of every program, students also took work-ready training programs, interview prep, and OSHA 10 training. 

Students walked away with trade certificates spanning from building science principles to building analyst-technician to USGBC LEED green associate. 

While the summer program is complete, Green STEP will continue to offer training to students online or at their high schools.