New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Sept. 29 announced that the New York Power Authority awarded $10 million in funding to support workforce development programs across the state designed to prepare New Yorkers for careers in the emerging nuclear energy industry.
The awards -- approved by the NYPA Board of Trustees -- "will equip thousands of participants with hands-on technical training, wraparound support services, and nuclear workforce career pathways aligned with New York’s efforts to grow its backbone of reliable, emissions-free nuclear energy to more than 8 gigawatts (GW)," NYPA said in a news release.
“Advanced nuclear is a cornerstone of my all-of-the-above strategy to keep the lights on and costs down for New Yorkers,” Hochul said. “The $10 million in funding approved today by the NYPA board will help ensure New York’s advanced nuclear future will be built by and for New Yorkers and also re-energize an industry that will create thousands of high-quality jobs while complementing our nation-leading efforts on wind and solar.”
The awards represent the latest action taken by the Power Authority in support of its efforts to develop at least 1 GW of advanced, emissions-free nuclear energy in Upstate New York, as called for by Hochul in June 2025.
In the past year, NYPA has issued key solicitations, expanded its leadership team, strengthened strategic partnerships and committed $40 million to help build New York’s advanced nuclear workforce—the funding from which these awards are drawn.
The Power Authority’s funding support for nuclear workforce development programs is an important component of Hochul’s NextGen Nuclear New York program, which aims to develop a skilled, in-state nuclear workforce through coordinated education and training pathways.
NYPA President and CEO Justin Driscoll said, “Advanced nuclear energy will play a central role in providing reliable, emissions-free electricity for generations to come, and that future depends on the talent we develop today. Through this first round of awards, NYPA is delivering real opportunities for New Yorkers, expanding pathways into high demand nuclear careers and strengthening the workforce foundation needed to support Governor Hochul’s vision for a clean, dependable energy system.”
New York is among the national leaders in developing a green economy, with nearly 185,000 clean energy jobs already created as of 2024. Building further on that statewide progress, the NYPA Board of Trustees approved funding awards to the following organizations and institutions:
Workforce Development Institute & New York State Building & Construction Trades Council – $3,650,000 (Statewide)
The NYPA funding will support the council’s efforts to train union trades workers—including pipefitters, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, ironworkers, operators, bricklayers, painters, and more—for construction and maintenance roles in advanced nuclear projects. The program includes training equipment, materials, and a robust fund supporting wraparound services covering transportation, childcare, housing, food, and mental health referrals.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) – $1,857,000 (Capital Region, Hudson Valley, Central New York)
The NYPA funding award will establish a consortium between RPI, SUNY Westchester Community College (WCC), and SUNY Onondaga Community College (OCC) to prepare students for a wide range of careers—from welders and radiation protection technicians to HVAC and construction specialists. The consortium will also establish 2+2 articulation agreements that create clear transfer pathways from OCC and WCC to RPI. The funding also provides wraparound support services and covers essential equipment and certification costs.
Jamestown Community College, SUNY – $1,290,000 (Western New York)
The funds will support the development of a three course nuclear manufacturing micro credential and a welder certification based training pathway, both of which will integrate nuclear content into welding, mechatronics, and engineering programs. The award also covers career services, materials, and certification-related costs.
SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center – $1,196,000 (Central New York)
The award will support a program that provides hands-on training related to instrumentation and controls; welding; and civil and structural construction. The new program will include extensive wraparound services, including childcare and transportation.
Manufacturers Talent Institute – $1,062,000 (Central New York)
The funding will support a program that will provide nearly 200 hours of hands-on welder training, recognized welding certifications, and comprehensive wraparound services such as childcare, transportation, meals, and coaching.
State University of New York at Stony Brook – $945,000 (Long Island)
Stony Brook University’s program will train students across three pathways: nuclear aligned welding, HVAC/R certification, and radiation work. Additionally, the program will include four paid internships at Brookhaven National Laboratory.
New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “These awards build on the Power Authority’s broader efforts to establish a statewide pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to take on the responsibilities of tomorrow’s clean energy infrastructure. By supporting the development of these nuclear workforce programs, NYPA is helping ensure New Yorkers have access to the training and resources required to succeed in the state’s growing clean energy sector.”
Building on Statewide Nuclear Leadership
As part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, Hochul announced a plan to create an 8.4 GW Nuclear Reliability Backbone that would consist of the at least 1 GW of nuclear being developed by NYPA and another 4 GW of new advanced nuclear energy on top of the existing 3.4 GW currently online in Upstate New York.
On June 11, Hochul announced the Public Service Commission launched a proceeding to secure an 8.4 GW backbone of zero-emission electricity. The proceeding will evaluate ways to bring new advanced nuclear power online in a timely, cost-effective manner to ensure New York maintains a reliable supply of zero emission electricity.
On June 12, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Department of Public Service published the Advanced Nuclear Policy Options Paper, which serves as the first piece of the Master Plan for Responsible Advanced Nuclear Development in New York.
The Options paper contains an evaluation of the policy mechanisms to support new grid-scale advanced nuclear projects, including assessing barriers to commercial viability, risk management, potential financial support and funding, technology selection and procurement approaches that can support viable projects.
"The analysis will provide an objective and transparent foundation for public discussion and support New York’s work to identify the tools and approaches needed to responsibly advance next generation nuclear power as part of the State’s clean energy transition," NYPA said.
"The coordinated statewide effort positions New York to deliver the firm, zero emission nuclear backbone needed to strengthen grid reliability, energy independence, and power a growing clean energy economy."
Strengthening New York’s Clean Energy Workforce
In addition to the $40 million NYPA has committed to develop a pipeline of skilled workers for New York’s nuclear future, the Power Authority also provides up to $25 million annually to workforce development in the broader clean energy industry.
That funding, outlined in the 2023-24 Enacted State Budget, largely supports the efforts of the New York State Department of Labor to connect workers to job opportunities in the clean energy economy.
Separate from the Sept. 29 funding awards, NYPA has obligated $63 million for clean energy training programs, supporting thousands of trainees and more than 45 workforce training organizations statewide. Many of the upskilling and training initiatives have a focus on serving those who are traditionally underrepresented, especially within disadvantaged communities.
NYPA actively works with each training partner to match curriculum with industry needs, ensure certification pathways are accessible, and embed wraparound supports that help participants succeed in training and on the job.
