Goodwill of Colorado Launches Clean Tech Accelerator to Build Colorado’s Green Workforce

New no-cost, stipend-supported program offers hands-on training and job placement for careers in clean energy 

Denver (July 8, 2025) – Goodwill of Colorado today announced the launch of its new Clean Tech Accelerator, a free, fast-track training program designed to equip Coloradans with the skills and certifications needed for high-demand jobs in the clean energy sector. The paid training offers participants support services, including transportation vouchers and career coaching. The four-week program is part of a nationwide initiative developed by Goodwill Industries International to prepare communities for the green jobs of the future. The program’s first local class begins this week at Goodwill of Colorado’s Excel Center campus in Aurora. 

Created to meet the growing demand for maintaining and repairing electric vehicle (EV) charging station and other clean energy equipment, the Clean Tech Accelerator program offers hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications and direct pathways to employment. The program is specifically designed for underserved and underemployed individuals, including veterans, justice-impacted individuals and adults looking for a fresh start. The EV program is the first in a series of clean tech accelerator job training programs that will eventually include HVAC/heat pump and solar panel installation and maintenance. 

“This isn’t just a training program, it’s a launchpad to a future-proof career,” said James Sanchez, director of education and training at Goodwill of Colorado. “In just a few weeks, participants will gain the skills they need to secure well-paying jobs in one of the fastest-growing sectors in the state.”  

The program arrives at a critical moment for Colorado’s workforce. According to the Clean Jobs Colorado 2024 report, the state’s clean energy sector added 3,298 new jobs in 2023, growing at more than double the rate of the state’s overall employment. The state is home to more than 5,200 public EV charging stations and 175,000 electrical vehicles, numbers that are expected to climb rapidly. The Clean Tech Accelerator directly supports this infrastructure buildout by preparing technicians who can maintain and repair EV charging equipment.  

Graduates of the program will earn credentials including OSHA-10, CPR, and EVSE technician certifications from ChargerHelp! with job placement assistance provided for up to one year post-training. Participants will also receive a stipend and personalized support from a career navigator to help with referrals for transportation, food, and other critical needs during training.   

The Clean Tech Accelerator is the latest example of Goodwill of Colorado’s long-standing commitment to breaking down barriers and empowering individuals across the state. Through 27 mission-driven programs, Goodwill of Colorado serves nearly 145,000 Coloradans each year by connecting people to education, training and employment opportunities that lead to long-term economic independence. 

Karla Grazier, president and chief executive officer of Goodwill of Colorado, added, “Programs like the Clean Tech Accelerator reflect our mission in action, meeting people where they are and helping them build better futures. By bridging workforce development with environmental impact, we’re not only opening doors for individuals but also helping power Colorado’s green economy in a way that is inclusive, forward-thinking and community-driven.” 

Goodwill of Colorado is currently enrolling for the Clean Tech Accelerator program. Interested applicants must be 18 or older, possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a clean driving record. To apply or learn more, visit goodwillcolorado.org/services/clean-tech-accelerator or email cl*******@**************do.org. 

The Clean Tech Accelerator curriculum and training is supported by leading clean energy organizations including GRID Alternatives, ChargerHelp! and BlocPower. Goodwill of Colorado is contributing funding for the program along with additional partners including Accenture, Climate & Community Lab, GM, the U.S. Department of Labor, and Lowe’s. 

About Goodwill of Colorado: 
Goodwill of Colorado helps transform people’s lives. We are a registered 501(c)3 organization providing career placement, education and training, and community programs for nearly 145,000 Coloradans each year — including military veterans, seniors, and individuals who have a personal or economic barrier to employment. For more than a century, Goodwill has supported Colorado communities and through our commitment to sustainability annually diverts more than 190 million pounds of donated items from Colorado landfills. Learn more about our impact here and follow @GoodwillColorado on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

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Media Contacts:  

Michelle Ellis, mi******@*********ms.com, 303-324-6058 

Elizabeth Jumel, ej****@********ms.com, 303-332-1144 

Media Kit: bit.ly/GoodwillOfColoradoPressKit