Washington’s nation-leading climate policies are creating new jobs in clean energy and climate-related research and development. Washington is ready to put people to work! Explore training and education opportunities throughout the state.

Washington Climate Corps Network: WCCN engages young adults (ages 17-31) and veterans in service projects that provide career training in climate resilience fields. Project examples include creating green spaces in cities, reducing wildfire risks in forests, or managing sea-level rise.

Washington Conservation Corps: WCC is an AmeriCorps program that provides hands-on experience, field skills, and training opportunities to young adults ages 18-25 and veterans. Members restore critical habitat, build trails, and respond to local and national disasters.

Ecology Youth Corps: EYC hires Washington teens and adults to pick up litter on the state's roads and highways. EYC provides valuable training, job skills, experience in environmental cleanup, and environmental field trips. 

Student Conservation Association - Northwest: SCA is the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Participants protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks, and community green spaces.

Career Connect Washington: CCW is a statewide network of business, labor, education and community leaders creating work-based programs for young people to prepare for college and careers. They offer a directory of programs related to numerous careers, including clean energy and the environment.

AJAC Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships: AJAC offers registered apprenticeship opportunities for youth, adults and veterans. Clean energy is among the manufacturing industries they serve.

Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy: From hydroelectricity and wind power to solar and transmission, PNCECE has compiled a list of entry-level, apprenticeship, certificate and degree programs for dozens of career paths in the clean energy sector.

Clean Energy Institute at University of Washington: CEI offers undergraduate and graduate students with leading-edge programs to support education, research and development of clean energy technology. They’ve also compiled a list of organizations that offer internship, fellowship and training opportunities.

Institute for Northwest Energy Futures at Washington State University: INEF is a research center located on the WSU Tri-Cities campus to help address the increasing demands for resilient, affordable, and available low-carbon electricity and transportation fuels. The institute is developing curriculum to support future workforce needs across various energy sectors.

Clean Energy Ambassadors Network at Washington State University: The CEAN program incorporates student research and innovation teams (“incubators”) working with faculty and industry mentors to address local challenges related to climate change and its impact on disadvantaged communities.

Tribal Stewards Program at six community colleges (under development as of June 2024): Washington is one of nine states receiving a federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a climate-ready workforce. Six community colleges partnered with five Tribes to develop a "Tribal Stewards Program." The program will provide natural resources training that cultivates a new generation of Tribal leaders and non-Tribal environmental co-stewards.