Transform your career with Goodwill's new HVAC and heat pump training program | wltx.com

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) has launched a Clean Tech Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind training initiative aimed at preparing individuals for careers in the rapidly growing HVAC and heat pump industry.

Funded through a grant from Goodwill Industries International, the program will serve 16 counties across the Upstate and Midlands, providing participants with critical technical skills, industry certifications, and direct pathways to high-paying jobs.

With HVAC and heat pump installation jobs projected to grow 13% nationally over the next five years, GIUMSC President & CEO Patrick Michaels touted the program’s importance.

“The Clean Tech Accelerator is a game-changer,” Michaels said. “We are addressing a critical workforce need while empowering individuals with career opportunities that provide stability and growth.”

The first class will launch in July, followed by a second round in September. Participants will undergo an intensive five-week, full-time paid training program at $15 per hour (8 hours a day, 5 days a week). The curriculum covers essential HVAC and heat pump installation skills, leading to multiple industry-recognized certifications, including:

Upon completion, graduates will be equipped to install, maintain, and repair HVAC and heat pump systems in residential and commercial settings, with potential salaries reaching up to $50 per hour.

In addition to technical training, participants will receive:

As the only program of its kind in South Carolina, the Clean Tech Accelerator will not only provide life-changing career opportunities for individuals but also help employers meet the growing demand for skilled technicians, reducing recruitment costs and filling critical workforce gaps.

Goodwill encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Interested participants and employers can learn more by visiting Goodwill’s Clean Tech Accelerator or emailing [email protected].