The New Rochelle Forward Workforce Training Program prepares local residents for careers in the rapidly growing clean energy, green construction, and building operations sectors. Through a combination of industry-recognized certifications, technical instruction, and hands-on training, participants develop the skills needed to work in energy-efficient construction, building maintenance, HVAC support, weatherization, and sustainable facility operations.
The program is designed to connect New Rochelle residents to high-demand jobs that support the transition to energy-efficient buildings and sustainable infrastructure. Participants gain practical construction and building science knowledge while earning certifications that are valued by employers across the construction, facilities management, and clean energy industries.
By the end of the program, participants will have a strong foundation in workplace safety, building systems, energy efficiency practices, and green construction methods, positioning them for entry-level employment in the clean energy economy.
Participants in the program complete a comprehensive set of industry-recognized credentials and technical training modules designed to support careers in construction, facilities maintenance, and energy efficiency.
Participants complete the Site Safety Training (SST) bundle, which includes:
This certification ensures participants understand workplace safety standards, hazard recognition, and OSHA compliance required on construction sites.
Participants also receive additional safety certifications required on many construction and infrastructure projects.
Training on scaffold safety, fall protection systems, and OSHA construction standards.
Participants learn traffic control procedures, flagging safety practices, and responsibilities required to safely direct traffic in construction zones.
Participants complete the following trainings that introduces core principles of energy efficiency and building performance.
Certifications include:
This certification introduces participants to how buildings use energy and how building systems work together. Topics include insulation, air sealing, moisture control, and strategies to improve energy efficiency and building performance.
This course provides an introduction to green building practices and sustainable construction methods. Participants learn about:
● Environmental and economic benefits of green buildings
● Climate change and the built environment
● Green building codes and standards
● Sustainable building operations
● An introduction to LEED and green building strategies
The training combines classroom instruction with hands-on project-based learning, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios. Participants practice using tools, installing insulation, performing weatherization techniques, and working with building systems commonly found in residential and commercial buildings. The core of the program is the Green Urban Handyperson Facilities Technician Training, an 80-hour hands-on training program designed to prepare participants for entry-level roles in:
● Clean energy construction
● Weatherization
● Facilities maintenance
● Building operations
● Energy-efficient retrofits
Participants gain practical experience working with tools, building materials, and energy-efficient building systems while learning how to improve building performance and sustainability.
The hands-on training includes modules such as:
● Construction Worksite Safety & OSHA Essentials
● Construction Math, Measurements & Blueprint Reading
● Hand and Power Tools
● Framing, Drywall, and Insulation
● Energy-Efficient Weatherization
● Electrical and HVAC Fundamentals
● Green Building and Sustainability
● Career Readiness and Workforce Development
Graduates of the program are prepared for entry-level opportunities in industries including:
The program helps participants gain the skills and certifications needed to begin careers supporting energy-efficient buildings and sustainable infrastructure in New Rochelle and throughout the region.
As cities invest in sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience, the demand for workers trained in green construction and building efficiency continues to grow. The New Rochelle Forward Workforce Training Program helps build a local workforce prepared to support the city’s sustainability goals while creating new career opportunities for residents.
With its unparalleled location, superb quality of life, diverse and talented residents and a focused business climate, New Rochelle is experiencing the transformation of a generation. The city’s current economic development plan is impacting the entire Hudson Valley region, positioning the City as a model in embracing smart, transit-oriented development growth patterns that promote open space, its close proximity to New York City and opportunities for diverse businesses to succeed in the current economic climate. Accelerated by a new, fast-track zoning process along with resources for small businesses and micro-enterprises, the redevelopment efforts are enhancing the downtown area by supporting job creation, property values and private investment – while enhancing sustainability and livability through green and energy-efficient design.
Founded in 2013 by a New Rochelle local, Soulful Synergy LLC is a workforce development agency dedicated to creating equitable and sustainable communities. For almost a decade, Soulful Synergy has successfully run tailored recruitment and training programs that tap into the soul of communities and upskill local workforces for clean energy and other industrial jobs. Stay connected with our work on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook!
Please submit your questions about the program and application process via the following form:
Interested in learning more about new developments within New Rochelle? Then checkout our interactive development map for more details of our ever-evolving skyline.
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