Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) has announced the launch of its groundbreaking Clean Tech Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind training initiative in South Carolina designed to equip individuals with the skills and certifications needed for careers in the booming HVAC and Heat Pump industry. Funded through a grant from Goodwill Industries International, this transformative program will serve GIUMSC’s 16-county region across the Upstate and Midlands, offering life-changing opportunities for participants to gain in-demand technical skills, wraparound support, and direct pathways to high-paying jobs.

“The Clean Tech Accelerator is a game-changer,” said Patrick Michaels, President & CEO of GIUMSC. “With HVAC and Heat Pump installation jobs growing at an astonishing rate of 13% nationally over the next five years, we are addressing a critical workforce need while empowering individuals with career opportunities that provide stability and growth.”

The Clean Tech Accelerator will launch its first class in July, followed by a second round of classes in September. Participants will engage in an intensive five-week, full-time paid training program ($15/hour, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week) that covers essential HVAC and Heat Pump installation skills, leading to multiple industry-recognized certifications, including:

• EPA 608 Certification
• Climate & Community Lab’s HVAC/Heat Pump Installation Certificate
• OSHA-10 Certification
• CPR & First Aid Certifications
• Construction Basics Certification

Graduates will be equipped with the expertise needed to install, maintain, and repair HVAC or Heat Pump systems in both residential and commercial settings, including the knowledge of refrigeration systems, ductwork, and thermostat controls. With salaries in the field reaching as high at $50/hour, this program provides a powerful launchpad for high-paying, sustainable careers.

What sets this program apart is Goodwill’s commitment to holistic support. Participants will receive career navigation services and essential wraparound assistance, including transportation support, utilities assistance, and more – ensuring they have the stability needed to focus on learning and career advancement.

As the only program of its kind in South Carolina, the Clean Tech Accelerator will fill a crucial gap in the technical training landscape. Employers will benefit from an expanded pipeline of highly-skilled technicians, reducing recruitment costs and ensuring a steady supply of job-ready professionals to meet the state’s growing demand for HVAC and Heat Pump workers.

Goodwill encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply and take advantage of this life-changing opportunity. Interested participants and employers looking to partner with the Clean Tech Accelerator can learn more by emailing cleantech@goodwillsc.org or visiting https://www.goodwillsc.org/career-services/pathways/clean-tech/.