OPINION: Why Goodwill is investing in clean tech — and New Mexicans

At Goodwill Industries of New Mexico, we’ve spent decades helping people overcome barriers to employment — whether it’s through job training, wraparound services or second chances for justice-involved individuals. Our programs are built to reflect the changing needs of New Mexicans. That’s why we’re proud to launch our new Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator training program, focused on preparing our workforce for careers in the solar energy sector.

Some may wonder: Why is a nonprofit best known for thrift stores and workforce services stepping into the green jobs space?

The answer is simple: Because it’s where opportunity is growing — and where access to that opportunity must follow.

Clean energy is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S. economy. Solar installer jobs are projected to grow by more than 20% in the next decade. In New Mexico, where abundant sunshine meets ambitious clean energy goals, this industry isn’t just expanding — it’s shaping our economic future. But for too many New Mexicans, especially those who have been systemically excluded from traditional education or job markets, these opportunities can feel out of reach.

Goodwill’s role is to change that.

Through our new solar training program — which is part of the national Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator infrastructure training academy — led by Goodwill Industries International and supported by Accenture, General Motors, the Lowe’s Foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant — we’re helping individuals with high barriers to employment access life-changing career pathways. This means hands-on training for hard skills necessary to get started in the field, OSHA-10 certification, job placement support and even stipends to help participants stay in the program. It also means intentional, human-centered services like transportation help, soft-skills coaching and case management that doesn’t stop once a job is secured.

This spring, we celebrated the graduation of our first cohort of solar trainees — individuals who overcame barriers, showed up for each other and completed training in one of the most promising fields in the country. Their dedication reminds us that when we invest in people, they rise to meet the opportunity. These graduates are now beginning their next step: entering the solar workforce with safety certifications, industry knowledge, technical experience, and our team standing behind them. It’s just the beginning, but it’s a powerful sign of what’s possible when workforce development meets real opportunity and support.

What makes our approach different is who we serve. Our program is designed specifically for people facing significant challenges: Veterans transitioning to civilian careers, individuals coming home after incarceration, single parents and others who’ve been left behind by traditional workforce pipelines. By helping these individuals get their start in the solar industry, we’re not just filling jobs — we’re building access to opportunity into the foundation of the green economy. And we’re not doing it alone. Our partnerships with local employers, training providers, and state and federal agencies are key. Together, we’re creating a bridge between economic development and community development — ensuring that the people powering our clean energy future are the same people who have historically powered our communities.

This work matters. As New Mexico invests in clean energy infrastructure, we have a once-in-a-generation chance to design workforce systems that are more inclusive, more resilient and more responsive. Goodwill is ready to help lead the way.

Because when we talk about green jobs, we can’t just talk about the jobs. We have to talk about who gets them — and how we make sure no one is left out of the future we’re building.