SEI can help your organization maintain a competitive workforce with training grant funds to offset partial costs of energy-related training.

January 1 – June 2024 approved course list: PA Smart IP Grant SEI – Training Plan as of 01-01-2024

To get started, complete the SEI Training Grant Application (to request a fillable version, email scockerham@ccedcpa.com) Scan and email the completed document (without trainee’s social security number) to sockerham@ccedcpa.com.

As a resource, below are some of the training vendors that our industry partners have used upskill their employees. You are NOT limited to these companies, and we cannot guarantee that the course you select will match up with our grant. Grant approved courses may change from year to year. We will work to accommodate your preference for training topics and vendors.

Can’t find what you like in the course list, or want help completing the application? Contact us at the email addresses provided below. Contact Sherry Cockerham or Jim Lauckner to receive timely notifications of SEI-approved training in the region, or with any additional questions.

Training funds are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Chester County Workforce Development Board. All trainees must be residents of the State of Pennsylvania.

Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program, may be of interest to some of our members

Who May Apply: For-profit businesses in PA with a primary physical location in PA and 100 or fewer full-time employees. Commercial real estate businesses and tenant businesses may also be eligible if they meet the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Use: The Program is a first-come, first-served grant program that provides matching grants to assist small businesses undertaking energy efficiency, pollution prevention or natural resource conservation projects.
Funds: $1 million in grant funding is available for this funding round for grants between $5,000 and $8,000.

Application Deadline: Grants will be accepted through March 22, 2024 or when funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

More information: DEP Website

Hello,

1. Are you sure that you know what you are paying for in the company’s Energy bills? Attend the SEI event on October 19 at our conference center in Exton.  The True Impacts of Alternative Energy on Your Utility Bill will provide examples and case studies will be presented showing both favorable and detrimental scenarios based on the type of utility invoicing. The goal of this program is to educate the audience on how alternative energy projects can affect your “bottom line” allowing for improved decision making. Register at  https://True_Impacts_of_Alt_Energy_on_Your_Bill_Oct19.eventbrite.com.
2. There will be millions of dollars spent, your tax dollars, The PA DEP and Penn College of Technology are asking you to participate in a virtual meeting and provide your valuable input for their Weatherization / Energy Program on October 24^th 10 – 11 am via zoom. The goal is to get a cross section of employers about desired skills, expertise and certifications that are needed to do work in the energy sector. Companies can register at Weatherization Workforce Stakeholder Forums (constantcontactpages.com).
3. As Federal funding begins to hit the market and fund Energy projects, we expect that you may need to expand your workforce and wish to hire people not only with a strong work ethic but some skill and industry knowledge. SEI would like to determine if your company is eligible for a Clean Energy Workforce Development Grant from the PA Department of Labor & Industry. Access a quick form here to get started CLEAN ENERGY GRANT FORM. These grants can help create a recruiting and hiring plan customized for your organization. Learn where people are being trained in Solar, Energy Efficiency, Newer Building Codes, Geothermal, Building Management etc.
4. SEI has cash grants right now to reimburse your company up to 50% of energy related training costs. Access an easy form to get started, and learn more SEI CASH TRAINING GRANTS.
5. FYI: The DOE, in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call me. I answer my cell 8 am – 8 pm 7 days a week. I understand that you have a business to manage and will call you back if I miss your call.

Jim

Jim Lauckner

Project Consultant

Smart Energy Initiative, SEI

Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)

Eagleview Corporate Center, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA 19341

Direct Office: 610-321-8231 Main Office: 610-458-5700  Cell: 215-470-2684   Fax: 610-458-7770

Email:  jlauckner@ccedcpa.com