This foundational session offers an in-depth overview of apprenticeships and their role in addressing workforce gaps in the clean energy sector. Participants will learn how registered apprenticeships function, why they matter in a rapidly evolving energy economy, and how they can serve as a tool for advancing equity and job quality. Speakers will break down apprenticeship components, the registration process, and examples of clean energy occupations suitable for apprenticeship models. This is ideal for employers, workforce boards, educators, and community organizations new to apprenticeships or exploring their potential.

Speakers

Charlie Cornish, Co-Founder, American Apprenticeships Work

Charlie Cornish is the Co-Founder of American Apprenticeships Work, a national leader in building scalable, employer-driven apprenticeship programs for modern industries. He’s partnered with organizations like NECA and Miller Electric to design and launch training models that develop talent based on potential rather than credentials. Charlie helped lead the launch of the first-ever USDOL-registered, office-based apprenticeship for project managers in the electrical industry—now used by NECA employers across the country. With over 15 years of experience in workforce innovation, he builds programs that align real employer needs with accessible, high-quality training. His work makes apprenticeships easy for employers to adopt—and, in doing so, creates meaningful career pathways and upward mobility for individuals often overlooked by traditional systems.

Ethan Kenvarg, Founder & Principal, Neshe Consulting

Ethan Kenvarg is the Founder & Principal Consultant of Neshe Consulting, a boutique agency specializing in all thing’s apprenticeship. Ethan is an accomplished strategic leader in the workforce & education sectors. He has unique expertise in creating and operating Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) — best-in-class workforce initiatives overseen by the US Department of Labor. He has engaged a wide variety of clients including Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Previously, Ethan led national operations and implementation strategy for Apprentice, helping launch some of the country’s first ever RAPs for tech jobs. As an apprenticeship ambassador, he has addressed the Massachusetts House Committee on Labor and Workforce Development, and guest lectured at Stanford University’s school of Design Thinking. He has received awards from the Massachusetts Workforce Association, and his efforts were recognized by former Governor Charlie Baker and State Secretary of Labor Rosalyn Acosta.