Climatetech Pathmaker Grants

The Challenge: Create Equitable Pathways into Emerging Climatetech Careers

Massachusetts’ climatetech sector represents a significant and growing opportunity for the Commonwealth’s economy, climate goals, and access to quality careers. However, employers in emerging fields such as battery energy storage, grid modernization, and electrochemical systems continue to report difficulty finding qualified talent when specific applied technical skills are needed and where training pathways are still being standardized. This creates a market barrier for both employers and workers: employers struggle to identify candidates with the right mix of transferable and sector-specific skills, while residents may not have clear, accessible pathways to enter these roles.

About Climatetech Pathmaker Grants

MassCEC’s Climatetech Pathmaker Grants expand access to relevant training for careers in the climatetech industry while addressing critical employer workforce needs. Climatetech Pathmaker supports short-term, industry-aligned training programs that prepare individuals without significant industry experience or related higher education for high-demand occupations in energy storage and power generation.

The program provides up to $10,000 per employment outcome over one year through direct funding and technical assistance to organizations with employer partners demonstrating a direct hiring need and incorporating Climatetech Pathmaker Core Competencies. Training providers may also tailor skills development and curriculum to meet specific employer needs. Funded training programs are expected to be completed within 8–12 weeks (80–180 hours), creating an accelerated pathway to employment for individuals from Environmentally Burdened or low-income neighborhoods and other underrepresented populations.

What is Pathmaker?

Pathmaker is a key component of the Healey-Driscoll Administration Economic Development Strategy to strengthen the Massachusetts’ historical competitiveness as a global hub for investment, innovation, and talent.

Administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development in coordination with the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the goals of the program are twofold:

1. To ensure companies in high-growth innovation sectors have access to talent with the relevant competencies and skills to achieve their near-term and long-term business goals.
2. To ensure Massachusetts residents have equitable access to the high-quality career paths created by the innovation economy.

Who is Pathmaker for?

For Employers

Pathmaker expands access to talent with the competencies and skills relevant to achieve their near-term and long-term business goals.

For Training Providers

Pathmaker facilitates stronger market alignment and industry partnerships, so Massachusetts training and education programs meet critical gaps in the labor market and lead to tangible job opportunities.​

For Massachusetts Residents

Pathmaker creates accessible pathways into good jobs in high-growth industries, with high-wages, and clear career opportunities, all without requiring a four-year degree.

For the Commonwealth

Pathmaker strengthens Massachusetts' leadership in the innovation economy and builds a skilled workforce for key industries.