Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO) Partnerships to Accelerate Training & Hiring for Geothermal Heat Pumps (GHP PATHs) Prize aims to kickstart regional partnerships focused on building a stronger workforce for geothermal heat pumps (GHPs), which is necessary to help expand the use of GHPs for efficient heating and cooling nationwide.
The goal of the $3 million GHP PATHs Prize is to streamline workforce entry and growth by fostering connections and collaboration. The competition is open to U.S.-based individuals, teams, and organizations.
Approach
The GHP PATHS Prize will create or enhance regional train-to-hire partnerships targeting four key challenges to scaling the GHP workforce:
- Complexity of certification process
- Certification cost for installers
- Limited training opportunities
- Need for more coordinated industry collaboration
The Prize has three phases:
- Connect—Competitors will submit proposals outlining their visions for building a sustainable workforce pipeline in their region. Up to 20 teams will receive $40,000 each and proceed to Phase 2.
- Engage—Competitors will formalize partnerships with stakeholders and develop a comprehensive workforce development program. Up to eight teams will receive $150,000 each to refine their plans and move on to Phase 3.
- Execute—Competitors will implement their workforce development programs and show impact by reporting on the number of workers hired and trained, as well as the long-term impact on industry. Winning teams will share the remaining prize pool, with each receiving $100,000 to $400,000.
The GHP PATHs prize is part of the American-Made Challenges network and is administered by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Get more information and register on the Prize webpage.
Timeline
The GHP PATHs Prize launched on December 10, 2024. Phase 1 of the prize will close on February 12, 2025.
The full prize timeline is available on HeroX.
Additional Information
- Learn more about the GHP PATHs Prize.
- Download the rules for the competition.