In a significant step toward workforce development and environmental sustainability, thirteen residents from Mount Vernon and New Rochelle have successfully completed a six-week training program on air-source heat pumps, offered by Comrie Enterprises in partnership with Tauris Tech. The initiative is part of the NYSERDA-funded “Adopt Clean Energy” campaign, subcontracted through the Urban League of Westchester.
The program, held at the Dole Center in Mount Vernon, was designed to equip participants with critical skills for entry into the growing clean energy sector. Each graduate earned the highly valued 608 EPA Certification, positioning them for employment in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) roles within the green energy economy.
“Training local residents to work in clean energy is more than workforce development—it’s a pathway to economic empowerment and environmental justice,” said a spokesperson for Comrie Enterprises, a Mount Vernon-based energy consulting firm.
The training, developed in collaboration with Queens-based Tauris Tech, combined online resources, educational videos, and in-person instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles. Despite limited funding, which allowed only thirteen of the sixty-one applicants to participate, the program delivered a comprehensive experience culminating in a graduation ceremony on May 17, 2025. Graduates will now be invited to a dedicated job fair hosted by Tauris Tech to connect them directly with potential employers in the industry.
Beyond its training efforts, Comrie Enterprises is also co-developing 20 South 2nd Square, formerly known as Library Square, on the site of the old Mount Vernon Y. The project is part of a larger vision to blend community revitalization with clean energy solutions. As part of the development, Comrie has ensured a commitment to offering future clean energy training programs within the new facility.
This effort aligns with Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent $1 billion statewide investment in clean energy job creation, announced in January 2025. The initiative aims to lower energy costs, reduce pollution, and create thousands of green jobs across New York State.
Comrie Enterprises and Tauris Tech praised the graduates for their dedication and resilience. “These students represent the future of our energy workforce,” said a representative from Tauris Tech. “They are now equipped with the tools to make an impact—not just in their own lives, but in the sustainability of our communities.”
As New York accelerates its clean energy transition, programs like this serve as a blueprint for how local partnerships can drive opportunity, innovation, and long-term community benefit.
