UMB Workforce Initiatives partners with the Office of Sustainability to launch a solar workforce development program.
On Dec. 4, the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Office of Community and Civic Engagement hosted a Construction Trades Information Session at the UMB Community Engagement Center. The event aimed to connect West Baltimore residents with high-quality training opportunities in the construction trades, including an exciting new program focused on alternative energy.
The session drew 35 participants, and about 80 registrants received information about applying for the upcoming Phase 3 Training program, as well as other free, high-quality construction trades training programs. This initiative reflects UMB’s commitment to creating pathways to family-sustaining careers while supporting the state’s transition to clean energy.
UMB recently received a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration to fund three projects in support of clean energy on campus and in the broader Baltimore community. The on-campus components of the grant will fund an on-site solar installation and Phase 2 of a campus decarbonization plan.
The final part of the grant funds the development and implementation of a solar workforce development program, with an emphasis on recruiting residents from West Baltimore to learn the solar installation trade. While the grant funding for this area was initially intended to be used for workforce development among the University student body, UMB’s unique nature as a primarily graduate and professional institution compelled the project team to look at offering a solar workforce development program outside of UMB’s student body. A request for proposals was published, with Phase 3 Training winning the award.
“We were excited that Phase 3 was awarded the project to develop and run this program, especially since the Office of Community and Civic Engagement has worked with them previously, and they are familiar with our unique campus and community,” says Elizabeth Main, MPA, director of sustainability and special projects.
UMB Workforce Initiatives will be collaborating with the Office of Sustainability on this groundbreaking effort. By partnering with Phase 3 Training, we are ensuring that community members have access to alternative energy training that prepares them for careers in the growing solar industry. This program is more than a training opportunity — it’s also a chance to empower West Baltimore residents with skills that support both economic mobility and environmental sustainability.
The Dec. 4 information session was an important first step in recruiting participants for the program. Attendees learned about the benefits of solar workforce training, the application process, and additional resources available through UMB’s workforce development initiatives.
This collaboration exemplifies UMB’s mission to strengthen communities through education, opportunity, and innovation. Together, we are building a cleaner, greener future — one career at a time.