New York is providing $15 million (£11.7m) for two initiatives that will promote clean energy workforce development and training programmes.

The schemes at the State University of New York (SUNY) campuses will train more workers in the clean energy sector and provide grants for apprenticeships, internships and educational programmes.

Up to $1 million (£0.78m) has been allocated specifically for Community College Regional Council awards to develop events and workshops that will facilitate partnerships between clean energy industry players and SUNY community colleges in the region, share best practice and plan regional strategies to promote environmental sustainability.

SUNY Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson said: “The alarms have sounded again and again on the consequences of climate change, overdependence on fossil fuels and increased energy use and costs.

“SUNY is proud to provide high-quality, hands-on and the most up-to-date clean energy education and training to our students, building a diverse, pre-eminent talent pipeline for today and tomorrow’s clean energy industry in New York State. We are proud to be a part of the governor’s long-term energy solution.”