Training Programs Available 

Global Wind Organization Certifications (GWO) Part of the Offshore Wind Turbine Technician Training Program

Global Wind Organization (GWO) certified training is an internationally recognized standard required  by many Offshore Wind (OSW) industry companies.

Begin an exciting career in the sustainable energy industry with an Offshore Wind job. Become Global Wind Organization certified in Basic Technical Training (BTT) and Basic Safety Training (BST), the two internationally recognized foundational certifications you will need to enter this new field. Perfect for electricians, mechanics and engineers looking for a career change, the wind industry will add a projected 18,000 to 23,000 jobs in the New York area alone. Entry-level workers will earn an hourly wage of around $25 an hour, with fast tracks to promotion and mobility within the industry. 

Similar to OSHA training and certification for construction industries, GWO training covers important topics for operations and maintenance to ensure that workers in Offshore Wind Energy are well equipped with the skills and awareness when it comes to safety in the work field.

GWO BST training will enable participants to support and care for themselves and others working in the industry by possessing the knowledge and skills of first aid, working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, sea survival and in case of an emergency, to be able to evacuate, rescue and provide appropriate first aid to casualties. This training standard should be read alongside GWO's Requirements for Training. The GWO Basic Safety Training is divided into the following six modules:

• First Aid

• Manual Handling

• Working at Heights

• Sea Survival

• Fire Awareness

The GWO BTT Standard consists of four modules and an additional installation module which can be taken after certification in the mechanical module. The GWO Basic Technical Training is divided into the following five modules:

• Mechanical

• Electrical

• Bolt Tightening

• Hydraulics

• Installation

Requirements: 18 years of age or older. Must be able to provide state issued I.D. or passport ID. Must be able to participate and be present for all of the scheduled class days and times listed above. 

Benefits: This training will equip students with the knowledge, training, and skills needed to work safely in the Offshore Wind Industry and provide students with the Global Wind Organization Basic Safety Training Certification.

Start Date/ Timeline - Training begins is anticipated to start in early 2026 and the start date is yet to be determined. To get on the wait list for this program please email GreenJobs@Lagcc.cuny.edu to be added to the contact list.

Eligibility: English fluency required. Must be able to lift 50lbs. Must be able to climb a ladder. Must be able to swim. Medical examination required; Audiometry, urinalysis, body mass index. Weight limit 265 lbs. Experience in the electric or mechanical field a plus. 

MUST reside in a Disadvantaged Community Zone, check here for eligibility:

https://www.nyserda.ny.gov/ny/Disadvantaged-Communities

Benefits: Earn an internationally recognized credential. Starting wage approximately $25/hour. Fast-track to promotion. Offshore wind shift schedules generally rotate two-weeks on, two-weeks off. 

Trade Skills Classes: Electrical 1, HVACR 1, Plumbing 1

Electrical 1

Begin a career in the electrical field with this hands-on training course. You will learn about construction safety, construction math, and electrical theory and drawings. You will also study introductions to electrical circuits, National Electrical Code, device boxes, hand bending, raceways and fittings, conductors and cables, electrical test equipment and more. The course includes OSHA 30-hour certification and 10-hour Department of Buildings Site Safety Training certification and uses the industry recognized National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Construction Core and Electrical Level 1 curricula. Tuition includes the cost of books and materials. Payment plan available. Email ACEelectricalplumbing@Lagcc.cuny.edu for more information.

Start Date/ Timeline:

Fall: September 2025 - December 2025

Location: In-Person

Weekday: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Time: 04:30 PM – 09:30 PM

Fee: $2229

(scholarships available)

Eligibility: 

• High school diploma/equivalency or related work experience

• At least 18 years of age

Potential jobs include electrical assistant, electrician helper, apprentice and other similar positions paying $15-$22/hour to start, with the possibility of on-the-job training and wage growth with demonstrated skills and commitment. The median wage for electrician helpers in New York City is $35,300; for electricians it’s $84,670. Construction is projected to be the fastest growing industry in New York City from 2014-2024, with projected growth rates for employment in the electrician, electrician helper occupations between 28-35%.

www.laguardia.edu/ce/career-skills-training/electrical-1-training-program/ 

HVACR 1

Prepare for a career as a skilled heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) mechanic and installer. You will learn how to safely install, maintain and troubleshoot HVACR systems. This hands-on training course follows the industry recognized National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) curriculum and covers NCCER's construction core and HVAC Level 1 certifications. The program also provides 30-Hour OSHA and 10-Hour Site Safety Training as well as preparation for EPA section 608 Technician's Certification, certificate of Fitness F-60 (Fire Guard for Torch Operations) and Certificate of Fitness G-60 (Torch use of Flammable Gas). 

Start Date/ Timeline:

Fall: September 2025 - December 2025

Location: In-Person

Weekday: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Time: 05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Fee: $2,858

(scholarships available)

Eligibility: 

• High school diploma/equivalency or related work experience

• At least 18 years of age

Potential jobs include HVAC assistant or helper, apprentice and other similar positions paying $16-$22/hour to start, with the possibility of on-the-job training and wage growth with demonstrated skills and commitment. The median wage for HVACR helpers/assistants in New York City is $48,106; for HVACR mechanics and installers it’s $77,778. 

www.laguardia.edu/ce/career-skills-training/hvacr-1-training-program/ 

Plumbing 1

Begin a career in the plumbing field with this hands-on training course. You will learn about construction safety; construction math; plumbing drawings; plastic, copper, cast-iron, and carbon steel pipe and fittings; plumbing fixtures; water distribution systems; and drain, waste and vent systems. The course includes OSHA 30 hour certification and 10-hour Site Safety Training certification and uses the industry recognized National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) Construction Core and Plumbing Level 1 curricula. Tuition includes cost of books and materials. Payment plan available. This training is offered fully in person on LaGuardia Community College campus. For more information email ACEelectricalplumbing@lagcc.cuny.edu. 

Start Date/ Timeline:

Fall: September 2025 - December 2025

Location: In-Person

Weekday: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Time: 04:30 PM - 09:30 PM

Fee: $2,496

(scholarships available)

Eligibility: 

• High school diploma/equivalency or related work experience

• At least 18 years of age

Potential jobs include plumber assistant, plumbing helper, apprentice and other similar positions paying $15-22/hour to start, with the possibility of on-the-job training and wage growth with demonstrated skills and commitment. The median wage for plumbing helpers in New York City is $41,560; for plumbers it’s $76,410. 

www.laguardia.edu/ce/career-skills-training/plumbing-1-training-program/ 

Related Degree Programs at LaGuardia Community College:

Engineering Science

The Engineering Science program is a dual-joint program offered by LaGuardia and the City College of New York (CCNY). This program prepares students during the first two years of their engineering education in the following tracks: Civil, Earth System Science & Environmental, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering. The program will provide students with the requisite critical thinking, technical, and analytical skills along with a strong mathematical and science background for future study in four-year engineering schools, enabling them to ultimately succeed as engineering professionals.

• Mechanical Engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal devices, including tools, engines, and machines.

• Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, and power generation equipment.

• Civil Engineers design, construct, supervise, operate, and maintain large construction projects and systems, including roads, buildings, airports, tunnels, dams, bridges, and systems for water supply and sewage treatment.

• Environmental Engineers use the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They are involved in efforts to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and water and air pollution control. [This degree track combines Engineering and Natural Science courses.]

Start Date/ Timeline - Please contact Admissions: 

https://www.Laguardia.edu/admissions/apply/

(718) 482-7200

31-10 Thomson Ave, Room C-102

Long Island City, NY 11101

Benefits: Any LaGuardia student who graduates with an AA in good academic standing has an automatic seat at City College should they choose to take it. This is one of the only dual degrees at LaGuardia and we are very proud of this collaboration. The majority of our alumni who continue to their bachelor’s choose CCNY, though of course they are free to matriculate wherever they wish. 

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Energy Technician

The Energy Technician at LaGuardia Community College program prepares students for initial employment in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering technology. Energy technicians work in high-demand, growing fields related to computers, cellular phones, and global positioning systems (GPS) technologies. The students in the program will be exposed both to the formal principles of engineering and to hands-on laboratory projects. The labs are well-equipped with the latest equipment used in engineering practice and research. A wide range of computer software is readily accessible to engineering students. https://www.laguardia.edu/majors/energy-technician/

Start Date/ Timeline - Please contact Admissions: 

https://www.Laguardia.edu/admissions/apply/

(718) 482-7200

29-10 Thomson Ave, Room C-102

Long Island City, NY 11101

Benefits: This major is designed for students who plan to go to work immediately after graduation, not continue on for their bachelors.