Energize Connecticut℠ Green STEP Prepares 50+ Students for Clean Energy Jobs

The Energize Connecticut Sponsors, Eversource and Avangrid, Inc. subsidiaries United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) recently celebrated more than 50 Connecticut high school students who graduated from the Green STEP Summer Program. The three-week paid-to-train development program is offered by the Sponsors every summer and is designed to prepare young professionals for careers in the fast-growing energy efficiency and green building sectors with hands-on technical training and industry-recognized certifications.

During the awards ceremony, held July 28 at Yale University, students were presented with their program completion certificates and had an opportunity to participate in a career expo to meet with area businesses on available internship and career opportunities.

“We have been extremely proud to see Green STEP continue to grow and contribute to the clean energy economy in Connecticut,” said Avangrid Senior Manager of Conservation and Load Management, Marissa Westbrook “The green energy industry is constantly evolving, and programs like this help to ensure that we will have skilled workers ready to support its future. Thank you to all of the instructors, students and partners whose commitment helps to make this program successful year after year.”

“Connecticut's clean energy transition will depend on having a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenge, and these students are now equipped to confidently step into that space,” said Eversource Director of Energy Efficiency, Steve Bruno. “By connecting young people with hands-on training, practical knowledge and career pathways through Green STEP, we're investing in a workforce that will help us build a more energy-efficient and sustainable future."

Taught by certified industry experts, participating students had the option of selecting two educational tracks – Weatherization and Existing Building Upgrades; and Green Building & New Construction. In addition to the program certificates, 54 students tested for their technical certifications needed for the green building and energy efficiency industries, and 4 students were awarded Certificates of Excellence in recognition of their outstanding performance in their selected track, including:

• Weatherization & Existing Building Upgrades Track
  
  • Student of the Track: Rayyan Khalid, Farmington, CT
  • Rising Star Award: Nicholas Lopes, Waterbury, CT

• Green Building & New Construction Track
  
  • Student of the Track: Tristan Takara, Seymour, CT
  • Risting Star Award: Blessing Nortey, Ansonia, CT
    

Students also had the opportunity to participate in work-readiness courses in other focus areas, such as heat pumps and geothermal, and they received guidance on resume and interview prep to fully prepare them to enter the job market.

Green STEP has provided industry training to the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) for over 10 years. The program expanded its curriculum in 2023 to include all high school students across Connecticut by offering Virtual After School Certificate Training as well as the summer program, which is designed to educate and prepare students for careers in the green building and energy efficiency trade industries.

For more information about Green STEP, including how students can register for upcoming workshops and trainings, please visit EnergizeCT.com.

About Energize Connecticut

The Energize Connecticut℠ initiative is dedicated to empowering Connecticut ratepayers to make smart energy choices, now and in the future. The initiative is Sponsored by the Energy Efficiency Board, the State, and local electric and gas utilities, Eversource and the Avangrid Inc., subsidiaries CNG, SCG and UI.

The Energize CT Sponsors provide Connecticut residents, businesses, and communities with the resources and information they need to lower energy bills, save energy, and help build a clean energy future for everyone in the state. The initiative is funded through the Energy Efficiency Fund, which is supported by a charge on customer energy bills. Information and resources on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).