New York Utility Invests $200K in Clean Energy Job Training

Central Hudson Gas & Electric is investing $200,000 to build a state-of-the-art clean energy training lab at Dutchess Community College, creating a pathway for students to land well-paying jobs in the region's growing green economy.

The new 9,200-square-foot HVAC and building trades laboratory will give students hands-on experience with the technology powering New York's energy future. They'll train on heat pumps, mini-split systems, and high-efficiency electric equipment in spaces designed to mirror real homes and workplaces.

The timing couldn't be better. As New York transitions to clean energy, employers across the Hudson Valley are struggling to find qualified workers who understand modern, energy-efficient systems. This lab addresses that gap head-on.

"Building a strong, skilled workforce is essential to supporting our communities and the region's energy future," said Steph Raymond, Central Hudson's President and CEO. The partnership ensures students gain practical, job-ready skills that match what today's employers actually need.

Many DCC graduates already work at Central Hudson and other regional companies, making this investment a natural next step. The college serves eight counties across the Mid-Hudson River Valley with some of the lowest tuition rates in New York State.

The Ripple Effect

This single lab strengthens an entire regional ecosystem. Students get affordable access to career training in a booming field. Local employers gain skilled workers. Communities benefit from energy-efficient buildings that lower costs and reduce environmental impact.

The facility is part of DCC's broader expansion at its Fishkill site, which will also house programs in mechatronics, automotive technology, cybersecurity, and construction management. Together, these programs position the college as a regional leader in hands-on technical education.

County Executive Sue Serino emphasized how partnerships like this turn opportunity into outcomes. The lab joins other recent successes, including DCC's Mechatronics Lab and Aviation Education Center, all designed to connect students directly with in-demand careers.

The investment in tomorrow's clean energy workforce starts today.