Goodwill of North Georgia is proud to highlight the success of its Certified Electric Heat Pump Technician Program. The program, part of Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator^TM initiative, is creating pathways to clean energy careers while supporting the region’s growing need for skilled HVAC professionals.

In January 2025, Goodwill began construction on its state-of-the-art Electric Heat Pump lab—the second training program in its Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator^TM initiative. The program launched in March 2025, and the third cohort is currently underway. Designed to create blue collar tech career opportunities in the clean energy sector for traditionally underserved communities across Metro Atlanta and its 10 surrounding counties, the program is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant, Georgia Power Foundation, Accenture, and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation grant.

The Electric Heat Pump Technician Program is an intensive, five-week, paid training program taught by Goodwill’s own certified trainers, including a female lead trainer. Participants commit to 40 hours per week of hands-on training and earn multiple industry-recognized certifications, including:

• Refrigerant Handling (EPA 608)

• Heat Pump Installation (from Climate & Community Lab)

• Workplace Safety (OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED)

Participants also receive essential services from Goodwill, including job-readiness training, résumé workshops, and up to $250 in supportive services to help overcome transportation and clothing barriers during their training. The program concludes with a Career Connection Day, where graduates participate in a skills showcase and interview directly with local employers. After graduation, job placement support continues through a Field Employment Specialist and a dedicated Career Pathways Coach who support employment retention and advancement for one year.

The program is already delivering strong outcomes:

• Enrollment: 27

• Graduation Rate: 23 (85%)

• Placement Rate: 25 (93%)

• Training-related Placements: 18 (81%)

• Average Wage: $19.67/hour

• Training-related Average Wage: $20.33/hour

Graduates have secured employment with Fulton and DeKalb County Public Schools, Clark Atlanta University, Hanwha QCells, and local apartment communities and hotels in various roles, including maintenance and HVAC technician positions.

“This program represents the future of workforce development, pairing industry-recognized training with real job opportunities in a field that not only pays a family-sustaining wage but also supports the clean energy transition,” said Jenny Taylor, Vice President of Career Services and Chief Mission Officer at Goodwill of North Georgia. “Our mission is to put people to work, and programs like this allow us to open doors to long-term careers while meeting employer demand for knowledgeable technicians.”

By combining cutting-edge clean energy training, supportive services, and direct employer connections, Goodwill of North Georgia is helping individuals build new careers while advancing the clean energy economy.

For more information about Goodwill of North Georgia’s workforce development programs, visit www.goodwillng.org.