Northland Opens National Grid-Sponsored Clean Energy Learning Center

The company was recognized during Northland’s awards dinner, held each year to recognize business and community leaders who go above and beyond to help Northland and its students achieve their goals.

Northland offers hands-on training and education to close the skills gap of the local labor pool, while creating training and employment opportunities for western New Yorkers who are seeking careers in advanced manufacturing, automotive, HVAC and clean energy. 

In 2025, National Grid provided Northland with $2 million, to be distributed over a five-year period, to support students who are pursuing careers in electrical construction and clean energy. The funding was used to build a new Clean Tech Lab and Experience Center, for which a formal ribbon cutting also was held on the 25^th.

The initiative is supported through National Grid’s Sustainability organization by its Social Impact and Community Engagement team, which partners with and invests in local nonprofits across the company's service area.

Northland’s new, state-of-the-art training center will be used to teach its Clean Energy program. Students will learn in an innovative smart facility that will include renewable energy technology, sustainable building systems and smart controls.

"National Grid has been a critical partner of Northland Workforce Training Center since the beginning,” said Stephen Tucker, Northland’s president and CEO, who added that National Grid’s economic development programs have assisted with Northland’s literacy and numeracy training, and helped purchase a van for student transportation. National Grid funding also was used to upgrade Northand’s electric lab. 

“Training the next generation in clean energy and electrical construction careers allows us to open the door to brighter futures for our students,” Tucker said.

"Investing in Northland represents more than just serving the community and delivering energy; it’s about empowering the next generation,” said Robert Simmons, Vice President, US Social Impact and Community Engagement, National Grid. “The new Clean Tech Lab and Experience Center will provide a level of interaction and practical experience; it represents a commitment that Northland made at its core that aligns with National Grid to develop the local workforce and build stronger communities.”