Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) joins our workforce development training partners to celebrate a major milestone in the city’s efforts aligning clean energy and equitable economic mobility goals.
The Green Residential Construction Immersive Training (GRIT) program wrapped up its sixth cohort this month. The occasion marks new beginnings for our 15 participants as they launch careers in the region’s green building economy. Their achievements bring the total number of GRIT participants to 100 since PEA launched the program in 2021.
“Reaching 100 graduates is a proud moment for PEA. With each graduate, GRIT is not only shaping individual futures — we’re building the foundation for a greener, more inclusive Philadelphia,” said Kate Lunger, PEA Director of Workforce Initiatives. “GRIT demonstrates that by taking an individualized, people-first approach to workforce development we can yield real results, changing lives and uplifting communities.”
GRIT provides tools and support services for young adults from across Philadelphia. Participants gain a foothold in the growing fields of energy efficiency and green construction. The program offers an 18-week, paid training program that combines hands-on education with career exploration, job readiness, and life skills. For many participants, it’s their first step toward a long-term, stable career filled with purpose and impact.
“The Green Residential Construction Immersive Training program is a national model for how to prepare adults for careers in the high-demand clean energy and green construction fields. Graduates go on to help address critical environmental and infrastructure challenges we face as a City and as a country – preserving affordable housing, reducing energy costs, and combating the climate crisis,” said Philadelphia City Councilmember Rue Landau. “On behalf of City Council, I want all GRIT participants to know we are proud of you and we offer you our full support as you start this next chapter in your career journey.”
Setting GRIT apart is the comprehensive approach of our training partners, led by the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and the Provisional Vocational Training Center (PVTC).
“We’re proud to be partnering with PEA to integrate construction skills with energy efficiency and building science principles,” said ECA Chief Executive Officer Steve Luxton. “The instructors at our Green Careers Training Center have decades of experience in their trades and are deeply passionate about bringing that to the next generation of hardworking students so that they can build sustainable careers in this growing industry.”
GRIT goes beyond teaching technical skills. Wraparound services provided by partner agencies Phase 3 and Beyond Literacy help to ensure participants are supported throughout every step of their career transition.
For GRIT participants who have histories involving the criminal justice system, developing soft skills and receiving job-placement support are what can make the difference in whether participants go on to thrive in the workplace and in life.
GRIT is open to Philadelphia residents ages 18 and older who hold a high school diploma or GED. No prior experience in construction or trades is required. GRIT prioritizes recruiting participants from marginalized communities often underrepresented in the building trades.
As the energy efficiency sector continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled workers. Pennsylvania is home to more than 72,000 energy efficiency workers; construction jobs in the sector make up 16 percent of the Commonwealth’s overall construction workforce. Programs like GRIT are crucial to ensuring that opportunities from the growing clean energy economy reach all corners of the state, including Philadelphia’s underrepresented communities.
GRIT graduates have already made their mark, joining local employers such as Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), Solar States, and PosiGen. The program prepares participants for roles performing weatherization, carpentry, electrical and plumbing services.