UMB’s Office of Sustainability and Office of Community and Civic Engagement visit a local training program for participants’ orientation.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Office of Sustainability and the Office of Community and Civic Engagement’s (OCCE) UMB Workforce Initiatives recently headed to Phase 3 Training to participate in the next major milestone of the Alternative Energy Career Training Program: the program’s official orientation session for new participants. This visit marked an important moment in the collaborative effort to expand accessible, high-quality green workforce development opportunities in West Baltimore and the greater region.
During the session, eight currently enrolled participants — along with 11 future trainees preparing to enroll — engaged in a dynamic introduction to the curriculum, expectations, and career pathways made possible through this free program. All 19 individuals connected with Phase 3’s Alternative Energy Training Program had previously attended or registered for an information session at the UMB Community Engagement Center this winter. This underscores the strong community demand for sustainable career opportunities and OCCE’s commitment to making these opportunities accessible.
The Alternative Energy Program, offered by Phase 3 Training in partnership with UMB, provides hands-on instruction in solar and emerging renewable energy technologies. The program is fully funded for participants thanks to a collaborative grant through the Maryland Energy Administration designed to support economic mobility, workforce equity, and regional sustainability goals.
The UMB Office of Sustainability and UMB Workforce Initiatives team members had the opportunity to engage directly with the incoming cohort and meet other Phase 3 staff members. The energy in the room reflected a shared sense of purpose: These participants are not just beginning a course; they are stepping into a future that aligns with statewide renewable energy goals and creates long-term career stability.
Elizabeth Main, MPA, director of sustainability and special projects, noted after her visit, “It was wonderful to visit the physical space and see the cohort of students begin their training in this important field. Having received notice of the award in early 2025, our visit nearly a year later was a tangible reminder of how far we’ve come to develop this program.”
As classes begin, UMB and Phase 3 Training will continue to work closely to support students’ progress, connect them with UMB-related vendors for internship and employment opportunities, and prepare them for success in a rapidly evolving green economy.