Active
Clean Energy Workforce Development
Grant

Charger Service Skills Accelerator (GFO-26-601) Grants

Deadline:
October 30, 2026
Total Funding
$6,000,000
Maximum Award
$2,000,000
Overview

The Charger Service Skills Accelerator provides grant funding for projects that will increase the qualified workforce needed to service electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment. Funding will support training that leads to portable, industry-recognized credentials and may be used to expand existing training programs to include EV charging equipment service.

Funder

California Energy Commission (CEC)

Program

Clean Transportation Program

Resources

Applications Due

October 30, 2026

Funding Source

State

Maximum Award

$2,000,000

Award Details

  • The minimum CEC award amount per application is $500,000 and the maximum award amount per application is $2 million
  • Applicants must request at least $500,000

Eligibility

Public entities, private entities, community-based organizations, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, California Community Colleges, California State Universities, the University of California, labor management partnerships, local workforce development boards, California Native American Tribes, and California Tribal Organizations serving California Native American Tribes. 

Eligible Activities

  • Training Activities:
    • Deliver EV charger service vocational skills training, such as charger installation, commissioning, verification or testing, maintenance, repair, technical support, and decommissioning.
    • Professional (instructor) development, or train-the-trainer models, to facilitate skill transfer from subject matter experts to instructors or other training providers.
    • Classroom or lab equipment needed to support training delivery or instructional purposes.
  • Supportive Services: For projects that are delivering training through existing training programs, reimbursable expenses for supportive services must not exceed 15% of reimbursable funds. For projects expanding a training program and delivering training to at least the first cohort of students, reimbursable expenses for supportive services must not exceed 5% of reimbursable funds. Examples of Supportive Services include:
    • Career services: mentoring, resume writing, interview coaching, job search assistance, and career counseling.
    • Direct services: transportation assistance, childcare, personal protective equipment, and certification fees.
    • Reasonable job placement incentives for employers after trainees have completed at least three months of employment.
  • Existing Training Program Expansion:
    • Develop or incorporate EV charger service curriculum.
    • Geographical expansion of a localized training program to serve new areas.
    • Seek institutional or academic accreditation, or accreditation renewal for an existing training program through an accreditation body approved by the Department of Education.

Duration

All project work should be completed by June 30, 2030.

Notable Requirements

Applications must include at least 25% of the total project costs as match share. 

Preferences

Projects must provide training; collaborate with worker, employer, and educational provider partners; and provide a clear career path from training to quality jobs. Evaluation Criteria: Team Experience and Qualifications (30 points), Project Implementation (15 points), Training Program (20 points), Project Budget and Cost Effectiveness (20 points), and Community and Economic Benefits (15 points) for 100 total possible points.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply for this opportunity through the Energy Commission Agreement Management System (ECAMS). 

Career DevelopmentEV InfrastructureSustainable Transportation

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