Jobs in clean energy are among the fastest growing in Colorado and throughout the United States. Professionals in the energy sector work on energy production, storage, and transmission; energy efficient building construction and renovation; the development and installation of solar, wind, and other forms of renewable energy; manufacturing and maintenance of zero emission vehicles; and the development of clean fuels.
Energy professionals are proudly leading the state in achieving its goal is to reach one hundred percent renewable energy by 2040 while maintaining energy reliability, resiliency, safety and affordability. Learn more about the benefits to working in energy.
Career Opportunities
Clean energy has proven resilient and robust despite economic downturns. An estimated 58,000 people work in renewable and clean energy in Colorado, representing 2 percent of overall state employment. Jobs are growing in urban and rural areas.
Enrolling in an energy training program leads to jobs in many areas, including energy efficiency, renewable energy, clean vehicles, energy storage and grid maintenance, and clean fuels. Because of the knowledge and skills that are required, energy employees are well compensated, often earning above national averages.
Participating CCCS Colleges
Arapahoe Community College
Building Controls Technology
The Building Controls Technology program partners with BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) creating opportunities for students to strengthen skills in HVAC systems and PLC systems highlighting electrical and construction energy efficiency and renewable energy for high-tech building systems.
Program certificate coming soon.
Automotive Service Technology
The Automotive Service Technology program is an award-winning program incorporating hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance throughout the courses. They offer many corporate-sponsored apprenticeships to ensure students are obtaining high-quality experiences.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Automotive Service Management, Automotive Maintenance, and Light Repair
Battery Workforce Challenge Coming Fall 2025
The Battery Workforce Challenge will strengthen partnerships between ACC and Colorado School of Mines as students design, build, test and integrate an advanced EV battery into a future Stellantis vehicle.
Community College of Aurora
Energy Safety Level 1
The Energy Safety Level 1 badge provides participants with a basic understanding of the generation and safety components of renewable energy and stored energy technologies.
Energy Safety Level 2
The Energy Safety Level 2 badge equips first responders with techniques to practice safety protocols covering electric vehicle fires following NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) guidelines.
Industrial Assessment
The Industrial Assessment certificate partners with the Rocky Mountain Industrial Assessment Center and Colorado School of Mines to conduct energy, waste and productivity assessments. The next generation of energy and productive capacity experts will recommend methods to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and provide financial benefits for small and medium sized manufacturers.
Diesel Power Mechanics
The Diesel Power Mechanics program. trains students in power mechanics for earth moving construction equipment, agricultural farm equipment, power generation equipment, medium to heavy trucks and heavy rail locomotives.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree.
Construction Management
The Construction Management program prepares students with the foundational knowledge to oversee construction projects and will equip students with the latest weatherization techniques to create and retrofit homes for higher energy efficiency.
Program credentials offered: Construction Management Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Construction Estimating and Construction Superintendent.
Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies
Coming Fall 2025
The Center for STEM, Power Mechanics and Applied Technologies and BuildStrong Academy of Colorado will house programs in construction, diesel power mechanics, engineering, cybersecurity, renewable energy, and other STEM pathways, preparing students to enter the workforce and/or transfer to four-year institutions.
Northeastern Junior College
Wind Energy Technology
The Wind Energy Technology program8 builds comprehensive knowledge in electrical, mechanical and pneumatic/hydraulic skills preparing students for a prospering career in wind energy.
Program credentials offered:
Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Automation and these certificates: Wind Technician, Industrial Safety, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Electricity, and Industrial Controls.
Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program provides immersive training for students in identifying, repairing and maintaining efficient automotive technologies. The program incorporates multiple hybrid and electric vehicles into the curriculum for a well-rounded experience.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Automotive Maintenance and Inspection, Automotive Brake System, Automotive Electrical, Automotive Manual Powertrains and Clutches, Automotive Heating and Air Conditioning, Automotive Steering and Suspension, Automotive Engines, Automotive Transmission Service, Advanced Automotive Electrical, Advanced Automotive Drivability and Emissions, and Automotive and Diesel Master Technician.
Diesel Technology
The Diesel Technology program trains students for the medium and heavy-duty truck industry. Industry partners share the latest technology to keep students prepared for a dynamic industry.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Diesel Electrical, Diesel HVAC, Diesel Engines, Diesel Heavy Duty Brakes, Diesel Heavy Duty Powertrains, Diesel Hydraulics, and Diesel and Automotive Master Technician.
Applied Technology Campus Coming Fall 2024
The Applied Technology Campus will host a variety of clean energy programs and curriculum applications within the clean energy sector including welding and robotics.
Pueblo Community College
Industrial Technology Maintenance
The Industrial Technology Maintenance program provides students with a hands-on experience using state-of-the art equipment to identify, troubleshoot, and maintain automated systems used throughout manufacturing facilities.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Industrial Technology Maintenance Level I, Industrial Technology Maintenance Level 2.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
The Solar Photovoltaic Installer certificate is a NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified certificate. The program emphasizes safety, racking systems and the installation and inspection of electrical and energy storage components.
Program credentials offered: Solar Photovoltaic Installer certificate
Automotive Technology Program
The Automotive Technology Program is an ASE certified program. A course specific to electric and hybrid vehicles ensures students are prepared to maintain evolving technology.
Program credentials offered: Associate of Applied Science degree and these certificates: Air Conditioning, Automatic Transmissions, Engine and Electrical, Fuels and Emissions, Manual Transmissions.
Employers and Industry Experts
Interested in partnering with CCCS as an instructor or through a company training program?
Employer Collaboration FormCCCS energy workforce development programs are supported by the following:
HB 21-1149, or “SPARC”
The Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers (SPARC) workforce development program provides funding for the creation of a career pathway and workforce development in energy. CCCS is partnering with the Colorado Workforce Development Council, local workforce boards, and Colorado K-12 school district on SPARC.
Education Design Lab
CCCS has partnered with Education Design Lab (EDL) to build five “micro-pathways” in energy and healthcare – two of the fastest growing and critical industries in Colorado.
Local Grants and Partnerships
Several CCCS colleges have specific grants and industry partners working together on projects in clean and renewable energy. Visit CCCS college's websites to learn more!