The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center is offering the Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network Program, providing Community College HVAC Workforce Training, Equipment, and Planning Grants to support community colleges in establishing or upgrading HVAC training centers. This initiative aligns with Massachusetts' broader clean energy goals, aiming to expand the HVAC and heat pump workforce to meet the state's decarbonization targets. With Massachusetts committing to installing 500,000 heat pumps by 2030 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the program seeks to address workforce bottlenecks by enhancing training facilities, improving access to high-quality education, and strengthening employer partnerships.

The program offers financial support for acquiring training equipment and infrastructure, staffing, tuition assistance, and wrap-around support services to eliminate barriers to workforce participation. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts community colleges, which can apply for implementation grants ranging from 100,000 to 1,200,000 dollars or planning grants between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars. These funds can be used for facility upgrades, staff salaries, training programs, student support services, and other workforce development initiatives. Funding will be disbursed through different program components, each addressing specific needs such as equipment procurement, program development, tuition costs for non-credit training programs, and workforce retention support.

To be eligible, applicants must be among the fifteen Massachusetts community colleges. Other institutions or organizations interested in similar initiatives may apply through related Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center programs, such as the Climate Critical Training, Equipment and Infrastructure Grants or the Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants. This funding prioritizes efforts to engage underrepresented communities in the clean energy sector, including environmental justice neighborhoods, low-income populations, tribal communities, and former fossil fuel workers. The program also aims to address barriers to participation, such as childcare costs, transportation limitations, access to tools and equipment, and lack of awareness of the HVAC and heat pump industry.

Applicants are required to submit a proposal that outlines their plan for training implementation, partnerships with industry employers, strategies for participant recruitment and retention, and detailed budget justifications. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria such as program design, employer engagement, projected outcomes, budget justification, and sustainability. Applicants demonstrating strong employer partnerships, innovative training approaches, and well-defined workforce pathways will be prioritized.

The application process includes a submission deadline of February 19, 2025, with award notifications expected in March 2025. A pre-application webinar and office hours will be available to assist applicants with the process. Successful awardees will be required to submit progress reports, attend quarterly cohort sessions, and collaborate with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center on technical assistance and program evaluation. This initiative seeks to strengthen Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce by expanding access to high-quality HVAC training and increasing employment opportunities in a rapidly growing sector.