“I did not know that Goodwill had so many career opportunities and skill courses,” says John Glenn, Clean Tech Graduate. Less than a year ago, an opportunity like the Goodwill Clean Tech Accelerator (GCTA) program did not exist in South Carolina.

Fast forward to 2026, and Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) is proud to announce that the state’s second training hub is expanding to the Midlands on March 13th and revolutionizing workforce development in the process.

The Columbia launch follows the massive success of the Goodwill Clean Tech Lab in Greenville, which boasted a 100% completion and certification pass rate in heat pump installation. Fellow Upstate graduates like Bayaker B. have already transitioned into high-paying, career-track roles, proving that GCTA provides participants with industry-recognized certifications and the keys to unlock a sustainable career in clean energy.

“By offering paid training and expert-led, hands-on experience, we are removing the barriers that have traditionally kept talent out of the tech sector,” says Monique McDaniels, Goodwill Vice President of Community and Workforce Development. “Columbia is ready to lead the charge in the clean energy economy, and Goodwill is proud to provide the spark!”

While the U.S. clean energy sector is projected to triple in job growth by mid-2030s, GIUMSC remains committed to training the next generation of skilled South Carolinians who will make it happen.

Learn more about Goodwill’s high-impact, five-week program on our Clean Tech webpage.

Header photo courtesy of Richland County