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CASE STUDY Accenture

Goodwill powers up clean energy talent

Delivering job-ready graduates through fast-tracked training and employer connections

3-MINUTE READ

As clean energy technologies such as solar, wind and battery storage scale globally, the demand for skilled talent is also surging. Yet, a shortage of qualified workers threatens to delay or downsize critical projects, driving up costs and slowing progress.

While some roles require expertise in fields such as engineering, AI, and environmental science, nearly 40% of advanced energy jobs, like installing solar panels and heat pumps, don’t require a college degree yet offer strong starting wages and benefits.

To meet this moment, Accenture and Goodwill Industries International launched the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator™ (GCTA) in the US in 2024—a national workforce development initiative focused on skilling historically underrepresented populations for  clean energy careers.

CLEAN ENERGY RISE

3x

clean energy job growth relative to the overall U.S. workforce in 2024

4 in 5

employers reported at least “some difficulty” finding qualified workers in 2024

2x

the size of the green-talent pool needed by 2050 to meet projected global demand

Why Goodwill?

While widely known for its thrift stores, Goodwill is the largest workforce development non-profit in the U.S.. With 80% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Goodwill location, the GCTA leverages this infrastructure to identify and train individuals who might otherwise be overlooked.

Impact at scale

469

individuals trained across seven cities since 2024

90%

graduation rate

85%

from historically underrepresented communities

61%

benefiting from the program hold only a high school education

78%

were unemployed before joining

$21

hourly average starting wage after graduating from the GCTA

Meeting the moment

The GCTA offers intensive, multi-week, hands-on paid training for entry-level roles in heat pump installation, solar and storage and EV charging station maintenance. Courses are designed for rapid completion and include wraparound support such as stipends, transportation, childcare and career navigation.

With a goal to train an estimated 7,000 job seekers and expand to 30 cities by 2030, Accenture support includes funding and expertise for curriculum development, training provider partnership management, program management, employer engagement, and business model innovation and revenue generation support.

The program is now live in Houston, Atlanta, Nashville, Greenville, Detroit, Denver, and Albuquerque, with more cities to follow.

Real stories, real impact

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Emmanuel Reyes, Albuquerque, New Mexico

After being laid off, Emmanuel Reyes discovered Goodwill's GCTA solar installation program at a career fair. The paid training included daytime hours, trade certifications, and hands-on roof work. He landed two interviews and a job on graduation day, with Goodwill specialists providing weekly check-ins afterward. "I didn't just get a job—I got a career path," Reyes said. "They helped me build confidence and skills I never thought I'd have."

Brian Wheeler, Atlanta, Georgia

After a nonprofit layoff, Brian Wheeler joined EV charging station technician training to reconnect with sustainability and gain hands-on experience. Now building switchgears for critical infrastructure, he's inspired by cohort members who launched businesses and envisions entrepreneurship. "I definitely see myself sticking with this," Wheeler said. "There's plenty of opportunity to have your own business after you've been in the trade long enough."

Tameika Barnes, Aurora, Colorado

During her annual post-tax-season furlough, Tameika Barnes joined Goodwill's EV charging station repair training and discovered a passion for clean tech. Entry-level roles start at $25/hour, with room to blend her clerical and technical skills. "The more knowledge I have, the more it benefits me and the company I choose to work for," Barnes said. "Opening a charging station and seeing all the little pieces come together—it's amazing."

Industry momentum

The GCTA is gaining significant traction, thanks to support of leading employers and philanthropic partners. Goodwill partners - including GM, Lowe’s Foundation, Truist Foundation, Barclays, and Bank of America - have invested in the GCTA to expand training opportunities and accelerate impact. Amazon added the program to its Career Choice catalog, enabling warehouse workers to transition into clean energy roles.

As the program expands, it’s not just creating jobs—it’s opening doors to long-term careers and economic mobility for thousands. With continued investment and community support, the clean energy workforce of tomorrow will be resilient, and prepared to support the growth of the clean energy economy.

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