Workforce Development

Green Building Alliance workforce development programs help individuals acquire the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in the growing high performance building and clean energy sectors.

Market demand for smart, sustainable, energy-efficient buildings – and sustainable products and materials – is driving demand for a skilled workforce across the construction, design, services, and manufacturing sectors. These sectors need people with the training and skill set to design and construct high performance buildings, and to install, service, and operate the electrical, heating and cooling, and other systems needed to run those buildings day to day.

GBA workforce development programs help individuals acquire the skills and credentials necessary to thrive in the growing high-performance building and energy sectors. By partnering with employers, trade unions, educational institutions, and local organizations, we are building a strong, sustainable workforce.

Green Building Alliance Workforce Programs

Training and Upskilling

For Youth:
Opportunities for K-12 students to discover design, construction, engineering, and trades careers through exploration events and hands-on learning.

For Job Seekers and Workers: 
Certifications and training to enhance skills and improve employability, including courses for both new entrants and experienced workers.

For Incumbent Workers: 
Continuous upskilling for workers in sustainable design and construction and energy-efficient building operations ensures they stay competitive.

Career Mobility

Networking: 
We connect trained individuals with employers in the high performance building and energy industries.

Advancement: 
Our programs provide workers with transferable and stackable skills and credentials, enabling career progression.

Sustainability Education

Facility Manager Training: 
Training for facility managers and school administrators on maintaining energy and water-efficient buildings, as well as ensuring healthy indoor air quality (IAQ). Learn more on our Green and Healthy Schools page.

Curriculum Integration: 
We work with educators to incorporate sustainability into school operations and curricula and support their ability to meet Career and STEELS standards. Learn more on our Green and Healthy Schools page.

Open Public Courses

LEED Green Associate Exam Prep:
A course to prepare participants for the LEED Green Associate exam.

Green Professional Operations & Maintenance (GPRO O&M):
A course on energy-efficient building management.

GPRO for Schools:
A version of GPRO tailored for school facilities managers. Offered at no cost to schools. Learn more on our Green and Healthy Schools page.

Getting Started With Green Building:
A course that explores the wide array of career paths across sustainable building design, construction, operations, and more.

To learn more or to request a private training, contact us. To view upcoming public courses, visit our events page.

Workforce Pathways Initiative

This three-year initiative is providing training and education to individuals in Allegheny, Beaver, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties, helping them pursue careers in high performance building and energy. Learn more on our Workforce Pathways Initiative page.

Green Building Alliance’s Workforce Development partners include:

• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
• Pittsburgh Public Schools
• Partner4Work
• Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board
• Southwest Training Services
• Intermediate Unit 1
• Parkway West Career and Technology Center
• Volpatt Construction
• Jendoco Construction
• Westmoreland-Fayette Workforce Investment Board
• International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 95
• Community College of Beaver County
• Center of Life
• Environmental Charter School
• Consortium for Public Education
• Homewood Children’s Village
• CMU Entertainment Technology Center