Take this quick quiz: 

• Is your organization based in New York State? 

• Does your program focus on nuclear energy careers or training? 

• Do you serve disadvantaged communities? 

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, your organization may be eligible to apply. 

NYPA Nuclear Energy Workforce Training Initiative

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

1. What is the NYPA Nuclear Energy Workforce Training Initiative?

The Nuclear Energy Workforce Training Initiative is a competitive funding opportunity designed to build New York State’s workforce capacity for new nuclear energy development. The program supports training, upskilling, supportive services, and job placement for workers preparing for nuclear construction, operations, and related technical careers.

 

2. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants include qualified New York State based training providers including technical high schools, community colleges, universities, trade associations, manufacturers, NYS or federally recognized Indian Nations, and Tribal organizations and others to collaborate on developing technical training opportunities, hands-on experience, paid internships, and full-time employment pathways for individuals entering the clean energy workforce, provided they have:

        • At least two full-time employees throughout the contract

        • A demonstrated track record in job training, job preparedness, and/or job placement

        • Good standing with NYS labor, safety, corporate, and insurance requirements Applicants may apply individually or as part of a team.

 

3. Are applicants required to be located in New York State?

Yes. All proposed projects must come from organizations located within New York State, and all training beneficiaries must be NYS residents.

 

4. What types of training programs are eligible for funding?

Programs must prepare workers for priority nuclear workforce categories. Eligible training includes:

        • Welders (pipe, structural, stainless, alloy)

        • Pipefitters / Pipe welders

        • Electricians

        • Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) technicians

        • QA/QC inspectors

        • Nondestructive Examination (NDE) technicians

        • Civil/structural concrete & formwork trades

        • Riggers, Crane Operators, Heavy Equipment Operators

        • Survey/layout Technicians

        • HVAC, Sheet Metal, TAB Technicians

        • Radiation Protection & Health Physics Technicians

        • Millwrights and Mechanics

        • Construction Managers & Field Engineers 

Programs must provide technical training, hands-on experience, and/or pathways to industry certifications.

 

5. Can funding be used for equipment, curriculum development, or instructors?

Yes, as long as the project includes actual delivery of training. Eligible uses include:

        • Personnel salaries for staff involved in the project

        • Training materials and supplies

        • Participant stipends or incentives

        • Costs associated with curriculum development

        • Fees for external trainers or consultants

Applications that include only equipment or curriculum development without training delivery are not eligible.

 

6. Who are the intended beneficiaries of these training programs?

The RFA supports training for:

        • New workers entering the nuclear field

        • Existing workers in need of upskilling

        • Individuals from Disadvantaged Communities

        • Listed Priority Populations, including veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, single parents, fossil-fuel workers, low-income individuals, and more.

 

7. Can organizations partner with other entities?

Yes. Applicants may partner with:

        • Supportive service organizations

        • Labor unions

        • Industry employers

        • Educational institutions

        • Workforce intermediaries

Partnerships are encouraged and may strengthen the application.

 

8. How long can projects run?

All training must be completed within two years of the contract start date.

 

9. What costs are not allowed?

The RFA does not fund:

        • Indirect or administrative overhead

        • Capital improvements

        • Projects outside NYS

 

10. What criteria will NYPA use to evaluate applications?

Applications will be reviewed based on:

        • Scope of Work (40 points)

        • Training Schedule (10 points)

        • Budget & Financial detail (20 points)

        • Organization Profile & Key Personnel (10 points)

        • Other factors such as focus on Disadvantaged Communities, Priority Populations, Supplier Utilization Plan (MWBE) and Job Placement plans (20 points)

 

11. Can applicants apply for both training funds and supportive service funds?

Yes, if the applicant demonstrates a successful track record in providing both training and wrap-around services. Programs may also partner with external organizations to meet supportive service needs.

 

12. What supportive services may be funded?

Wrap-around support can include:

        • Transportation

        • Housing assistance

        • Childcare

        • Food during training hours

        • Career guidance & job-readiness coaching

        • Mental health or substance-use referrals

        • Essential training gear (boots, tools, fees, PPE)

 

 13. How do applicants submit the proposal?

Applications must be submitted electronically to workforcedev@nypa.gov, using the required sections:

        • Cover Page

        • Detailed Scope of Work

        • Budget with Cost Breakdown

        • Key Personnel Resumes

        • Supplier Utilization Plan

        • Additional supporting documents

 

 14. Will there be technical assistance for applicants?

Yes. NYPA will offer a technical assistance workshop for interested applicants on Thursday, June 18 at 10 AM.

 

15. Who can I contact with questions?

Applicants may submit questions to workforcedev@nypa.gov.