Investing in the Future
Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) has partnered with Goodwill Industries International and its Goodwill Clean Tech AcceleratorTM to launch several new clean tech training programs. GESMN’s solar installer training program will host its first class later this winter at its new Career and Services Campus at 1270 Energy Lane, St. Paul. Additional programs will be launching for heat pump installation and electric vehicle support equipment repair.
“The new GESMN Career and Services Campus will meet the needs of a changing workforce,” said Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis, GESMN President and CEO. “I’m excited that our new facility and its design will help us create career possibilities together with employer and community partners to serve even more people for years to come.”
Graduates of GESMN’s solar installation program will learn electrical energy fundamentals, safety standards and installation basics related to solar and storage, steps to commission a solar system, site evaluation and maintenance and customer service. They will earn industry certifications in construction basics, solar installation and workplace safety (OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid/AED).
"Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is building the workforce for the future we want in Minnesota," said St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her. "You are building a sustainable future and jobs with living wages. I'm grateful to Goodwill for being a leader in sustainability."
St. Paul Mayor and State Representatives honor GESMN
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her
Joined GESMN CEO Michael Wirth-Davis
"Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is building the workforce for the future we want," said Mayor Her about the new clean tech training programs.
"Grateful to GESMN for being a leader."
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her continued
"You are building a sustainable future and jobs with living wages."
Solar Installation program
Certified for Apprenticeship Preparation
Jeremy Parker, from MN Dept of Labor, presented the certificate to Becky Brink, GESMN director of Career Training & Education.
State certifies GESMN with Apprenticeship Preparation
Honor presented at Clean Tech Open House
GESMN's Solar Installation and Construction Training programs have been certified for two years through the MN Dept of Labor & Industry's Apprenticeship Minnesota.
Goodwill's Clean Tech Accelerator launched
Area leaders and business partners celebrate
GESMN CEO Michael Wirth-Davis; St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her; Becky Brink, GESMN Career Training; Jeremy Park, MN Dept of Labor; Sarah Whebbe, MN Solar Energy Industries Assoc.; and Gregg Mast, Clean Energy Economy MN.
U.S. Congressional staffer Charlie Hammond
From MN Rep. Betty McCollum's office
Joined GESMN CEO Michael Wirth-Davis at the event to recognize the launch of the new Clean Tech Programs
Goodwill-Easter Seals MN
New Career & Services Campus
The new campus opened in October 2025 in the Energy Park neighborhood of St. Paul. It includes a new Clean Tech Training facility as well as new space for Automotive and Construction Training Programs, classrooms and more.
A Century of Innovation
“Your success, as a clean energy employer, depends on skilled, reliable staff who care about your business and pride themselves on getting the job done safely and efficiently. Our graduates are ready to begin their careers,” said Becky Brink, director of the Career Training & Education program at GESMN which has been training and creating career opportunities for Minnesotans for more than 100 years.
To learn more about the new clean tech programs:
- Email: cleantech@gesmn.org
- Call: 651-379-5800
- Visit gesmn.org/training
GESMN offers customized career training and services helping nearly 6,000 Minnesotans each year create career possibilities.
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