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.
Our program guides participants through a complete educational pathway designed with cultural awareness and inclusivity at its core.
Your journey begins with hands-on installation training to build fundamental skills, continues with formal education to earn industry-recognized credentials and a college certificate or degree, and includes financial support and personalized guidance throughout the process.
While rooted in Native leadership and perspectives, this three-part approach welcomes all eligible community members, ensuring you gain valuable knowledge and successfully transition into a rewarding clean energy career that benefits both you and the broader Portland community.
Connect with a Navigator to Get Started
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.
Complete a 6-month Energy Systems Maintenance Certificate 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.
You may be eligible for NCWI if you:
This is a Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) funded project. PCEF projects aim to serve priority populations with their work. Learn more about PCEF priority populations here.
If you would like to discuss the program more before applying you can complete the inquiry form which will allow you to schedule time with our program Navigator. After you complete the form our Navigator will reach out to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
Submit an Inquiry Form Here
Fill out our comprehensive application to officially begin your NCWI journey. We’ll ask for basic information about your background, education, and interest in renewable energy careers to help us understand how we can best support your goals. You can find the application link below.
Our application is now open for NCWI Winter 2027 Cohort! Application Deadline is December 11th.
Next Cohort Dates
CCC 6-Month Certificate: January 4, 2027
Graduates of NCWI possess the knowledge and skills to be highly competitive applicants for a number of entry level, hands-on jobs that are essential to building our clean energy future. Below are just a few of these career possibilities.
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
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.
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!
