Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) is thrilled to announce the stellar success of its inaugural Clean Tech Accelerator cohort, a new program designed to launch careers in the booming clean energy sector. This first-of-its-kind class achieved an extraordinary 100% completion and pass rate, with many graduates already securing high-demand jobs.

Fourteen students completed the rigorous 5-week program, with all earning their Universal EPA 608 certification, the highest-level certification in the field. This industry-recognized credential is a significant step toward a lasting career and a testament to the hard work of the students and the quality of training. The program’s success was immediately clear during a recent employer connector day, where graduates were able to discuss employment possibilities with employers.

On August 20th, GIUMSC hosted a special graduation ceremony for the class that provided a meaningful opportunity for the graduates to share their success stories with family and friends who supported them through their journey. The event served as a powerful example of the students’ hard work and dedication, allowing their loved ones to witness and experience the culmination of their efforts toward building sustainable careers in the ever-growing clean tech industry.

“This is what it is all about – changing lives and launching careers,” said Monique McDaniels, GIUMSC Vice President of Community and Workforce Development. “We are incredibly proud of these students and our team for their collective effort. Seeing our graduates get hired on the spot and walk into great jobs is proof that we’ve helped create something truly impactful here, and we are just getting started.”

The Clean Tech Accelerator is a collaborative effort made possible through the support of GIUMSC partners, Lowe’s, Accenture, GM, and Goodwill Industries International. These partnerships have been instrumental in developing a program that meets the needs of both job seekers and local employers.

Goodwill is already planning for the future of the program. The next cohort is scheduled to begin on September 15th, with plans to expand to Columbia in the near future.

For more information on the Clean Tech Accelerator, visit: https://www.goodwillsc.org/career-services/pathways/clean-tech-accelerator/