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Apprenticeships and local job training provides green job seekers a pathway to opportunity
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Energy reform is a non-negotiable element of the Obama administration; with the need to promote the clean up of the environment, control global warming, and creation of green jobs. With the investment of stimulus package dollars the president, along with energy reform advocates, and academia have touted the need for creating shifts in how we do business in order to promote policies that will support green jobs in coordination with energy reform. It is proposed that an estimated 25% of the US workforce will be supported by energy reform, with focused initiatives to have impact on employment, and the economy up to the year 2025. This year alone an estimated 500 million dollars will be spent towards creating green job trainingTo provide a boost to the nation’s use of clean energy several coalitions of energy reform will be used to promote green job employment and introduce lines of development - that include, infrastructure, renewable energy sources, overhaul of the US’s outdated power grids, and clean up of radioactive waste. Under the infrastructure initiatives the deployment of green jobs will be made with the investment of over 5 billion dollars designated for creating energy efficient federal buildings, schools, private homes, and $1.6 billion dollars will also be spent to renovate, and build labs, and research facilities. Additional monies will go towards the investment in biofuel ($800 million), and energy research($400 million).
The plan will look to build in job training and focus skilled workers to begin work on energy efficient standards for weatherization of homes, and installation of solar photovoltaic (hot water heater) systems. Additional energy efficient catalysts include improving large factory facilities to promote better lighting and cooling systems that work more efficiently. According to the National Association of Energy Service Companies (NAESCO) green jobs will position the blue collar workforce to effectively create easy career change and will provide design and sales opportunities to promote energy efficient products.
A second coalition pathway for green jobs and comprehensive energy reform will include using solar, wind, and geothermal technology to create renewable energy sources. Developing clean renewable energy has been highlighted by many since the impact on interested stakeholders is one that gives credence to our economic recovery and national security. An investment of 2.5 billion dollars will be made for the construction of solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy power. Essentially working to change the way we do business while creating a partnership in energy reform that will create jobs, protect consumers, and the environment. Most jobs in this area will look to collectively recruit individuals that have at least a high school diploma, with entry-level green jobs awaiting them in energy efficient building renovation.
The regional planning phase of energy reform will include a coalition of employment focused on a “Smart grid” technology with a distributed generation of renewable energy that can increase transmission efficiency. These investment improvements will target our inundated electrical grid with an estimated 4.5 billion dollars to build a digital electric grid and to provide entry level job opportunities in power-line construction. The pathway for building a network of skilled electricians familiar with high-tension power lines, heavy equipment operators and ironworkers will also be needed. The pool of candidates in this area will need to have the ability to complete an apprenticeship program that combines classes, and on-the-job training. Renewable energy industry training projects will be made available to green job seekers at variety of community colleges across the country, including California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. For example, the College of Southern Maryland’s Center for Energy and Trades will provide students skills in operations, maintenance, or construction in one of three sectors: energy generation (oil, gas, coal, nuclear, solar, wind), energy transmission/distribution or energy facility/utility construction.
Supportive career shifts to green jobs has also been targeted by The New Jersey Department of Labor. The state has provided a 12-week training programs that enabled women, ex-offenders, and urban teens to work as energy auditors, weatherization inspectors, energy conservation representatives, and residential air-sealing technicians. The program worked to benefit most of the participant’s with most participants obtaining employment shortly after completing the states green job training program.
As energy reform policy is integrated into the way we do business blue-collar jobs will become green, while continuing to be a strong political component in the nation’s economy, national security, and labor laws. The workforce will become diversified and will include fields ranging from ironworking to window manufacturing, power distribution, and alternative energy production. These jobs will be integrated through programs that create frameworks for training within the state energy offices, unions, power companies and community colleges. As many green job seekers consider their long term prospects continued employment will need to be balanced with their continuing education. It is recommended that the achievement of a four-year degree, while picking up an industry credentials, or getting additional training will make green job seekers a more viable asset to companies that are focused on energy reform, and will protect many from future layoffs.
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For more info :Energy Reform, Green Jobs, Barack Obama, Stimulus Plan, Environment, Energy Efficiency
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