The Built Environment Collaborative, a project of Greater Cleveland Works, is advancing workforce development by empowering Greater Cleveland residents and small businesses—especially Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs)—to gain skills, secure employment, and thrive in the construction, infrastructure, and renewable energy industries.
Through this effort, HHW Ohio and Manufacturing Works have partnered to raise awareness of renewable energy career pathways, aligning their efforts with the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. A key component of this collaboration is the expansion of HHW Ohio’s WISE Pathways program.
About WISE Pathways
WISE Pathways is a career exploration program designed specifically for women interested in entering high-demand, traditionally male-dominated industries. The program provides:
- Employer-informed curriculum developed in partnership with regional industry leaders.
- Job readiness and coaching support to help participants succeed.
- Networking opportunities with women already working in the field, building social capital and reducing barriers to entry.
- Direct connections to employment, apprenticeships, education, or short-term training.
Each week, participants engage with industry leaders through classroom sessions, job site tours, and hands-on activities. Employer partners include:
- Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District
- FirstEnergy
- Regency Construction
- Lincoln Electric
- Saint-Gobain
Expanding into Manufacturing and Renewable Energy
Recognizing the need to engage women in manufacturing careers (as outlined in the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association Statewide Workforce Blueprint) Manufacturing Works partnered with HHW Ohio to enhance the WISE Pathways program.
Key outcomes include:
- Pre-apprenticeship recognition: WISE Pathways is now a registered pre-apprenticeship program for manufacturing through ApprenticeOhio.
- Updated curriculum: New modules now highlight career opportunities in renewable energy, including:
- Solar panel installation
- Energy grid maintenance and design
- Project management
- Energy auditing and compliance
To strengthen this curriculum, Manufacturing Works collaborated with renewable energy experts and regional employers to ensure alignment with workforce needs.
Looking Ahead: Fall 2025 and Beyond
The next WISE Pathways cohort begins October 21, 2025, with even greater opportunities for employer engagement.
Planned activities include:
- A visit to Cleveland Builds’ new training facility for hands-on trade experience
- A tour of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s renewable energy facilities, which power their Southerly Water Treatment Plant
By connecting women to training and employers in manufacturing and renewable energy, WISE Pathways and its partners are helping build the next generation of skilled workers in Northeast Ohio.
Why It Matters for Employers
For manufacturing employers in Northeast Ohio, the WISE Pathways initiative represents a powerful opportunity to:
- Engage women in nontraditional, high-demand roles.
- Develop a skilled talent pipeline in alignment with industry needs.
- Strengthen regional competitiveness in manufacturing and renewable energy.
Manufacturing Works, HHW Ohio, and Greater Cleveland Works invite more employers to get involved—whether by shaping curriculum, hosting site visits, or connecting participants with employment opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Email Sylvia Rios, Workforce Program Manager, or call 216.920.1961.