Northwest Native Chamber, GRID Alternatives, and Clackamas Community College have teamed up to deliver the Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative (NCWI). This educational program will equip the Native and Frontline communities in Portland with the knowledge and skills they need to secure jobs in the fast-growing renewable energy industries with no prior experience required!
Financial support and childcare stipends are available for qualified students.
This program is made possible by funding from the Portland Clean Energy Fund.
Receive hands-on training in a supportive environment where you’ll learn essential solar safety, construction fundamentals, electrical basics, and site evaluation techniques during GRID’s immersive three-week program
Build a strong foundation in renewable energy through practical experience and prepare yourself for advanced education while networking with industry professionals and fellow participants
Choose between a 6-month Energy Systems Maintenance Certificate or a comprehensive 2-year Renewable Energy Technology Associate Degree, both taught in CCC’s state-of-the-art Holden Industrial Technology Center
Gain industry-recognized credentials and practical skills in solar installation, energy efficiency, system design, and maintenance that will position you for immediate entry employment in this high-growth field
Learn more about CCC’s Renewable Energy program on their website.
Benefit from quarterly financial stipends that allow you to focus on your education with less financial stress, plus full coverage of your tuition and fees by Northwest Native Chamber
Connect with a dedicated Career Navigator who provides personalized coaching, helps you access additional resources, and supports your journey from education to employment in the clean energy sector
Median Wage: $49,858
10-Year Job Growth: 41%
Estimated Job Openings: 464
Median Wage: $64,917
10-Year Job Growth: 44%
Estimated Job Openings: 388
Median Wage: $69,493
10-Year Job Growth: 19%
Estimated Job Openings: 6,645
As an initiative graduate you’ll have the chance to work on no-cost energy efficient home retrofits projects for elders and tribal families in the Portland Metro region, reducing their energy costs and ensuring they live in energy-efficient homes.
The Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative (NCWI) is the first of its kind in the nation that will equip the Native community in Portland with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure jobs in the fast-growing solar and renewable energy industries. The training is tailored to accommodate a wide range of participants, with no prior experience in solar energy required.
Funding from the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) has allowed the Northwest Native Chamber to provide student financial awards to eligible participants. Awards will be given to accepted students and will continue so long as they are enrolled in the CCC program in good standing; ensuring you can focus fully on your professional development without financial strain. Connect with a program navigator to learn more.
Northwest Native Chamber, GRID Alternatives, and Clackamas Community College have teamed up to deliver the Native Clean Energy Workforce Initiative (NCWI). Each organization brings unique strengths to the program: GRID provides industry-leading knowledge in solar installation and renewable energy technologies, NWNC offers deep connections within the Native community and expertise in economic development, and CCC contributes with comprehensive educational programs in renewable energy technology.
We ask that you have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and be able to make a full-time in-person commitment for 6 months.
All applicants must reside within one of Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Washington, and Yamhill counties.
As a participant in the NCWI, you’ll receive free state-of-the-art training to prepare for well-paying jobs in renewable energy. You’ll also have access to hands-on experience and valuable support such as one-on-one coaching and a professional network to support future career and business opportunities.
We understand the cost of education and the additional need for childcare are significant barriers to enrolling and completing higher education programs. To remove these barriers and ensure access for priority populations, the Northwest Native Chamber is offering a limited number of childcare stipends for those who qualify. Connect with a program navigator to learn more.
Getting involved in the NCWI is easy! If you are a Native individual living in the Portland area and interested in renewable energy. Fill out our interest form here to connect with a program navigator and learn more.
Renewable and Clean Energy employers interested in building their workforce are invited to connect with our skilled graduates. Want to learn more? Fill out our interest form and someone will be in touch!
We are a Native-led business chamber committed to collaborating with all community members to transform the economic landscape for Native People in the Pacific Northwest. Aligned with this mission, NWNC believes that sustainable economic and ecological practices led by historically marginalized communities are essential to creating a just economy that benefits everyone. Learn more about The Chamber on our About Us page.
Through a variety of programming we are able to provide no-cost wrap-around technical assistance services to businesses at nearly every stage of their business growth. Through the pillars of relationship building, education and growth, and economic justice and transformation the chamber has grown beyond the borders of Oregon into Washington and Idaho. Register with The Chamber to get connected with a Resource Navigator today!
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