By Alyssa Moore
Project Manager, Emerald Cities Collaborative
Equity-focused workforce development programs can prepare workers to transition from shrinking industries to growing ones, leading to higher wages, better benefits, and higher-quality career pathways. A balanced workforce development ecosystem makes it easier for employers to hire and retain workers and for governments to find qualified contractors for publicly funded projects.
As the energy industry evolves and becomes more focused on clean energy technologies, a skilled workforce is key to successfully executing any energy efficiency project. However, many small local and tribal governments have constrained staff capacity and limited experience with energy efficiency, clean energy, and workforce development.
Through the EECBG Blueprint Cohorts, Emerald Cities Collaborative (ECC) is helping local government leaders design and implement scalable, equity-based, sustainable workforce programs that support job growth in clean energy. ECC is a national nonprofit that partners with organizations to promote a sustainable environment while building just and inclusive economies that offer opportunities for all—an approach we refer to as “the high road.”
The Workforce Development Cohort is designed to help participants prepare to execute their EECBG-funded projects. The curriculum includes presentations from subject matter experts, peer learning, and problem-solving around common workforce challenges. The cohort covers what local governments need to know to execute their workforce development projects successfully and provides space to build relationships with peers doing similar work around the country.
Denver can serve as a model for successful green job training. In 2022, it established its Green Workforce Development program to support the development of clean energy industries. More than 1,600 participants in the program have been placed in green jobs, green apprenticeships, or further green training programs or obtained a promotion or raise. Denver is working on expanding its programs to reach more communities.
The EECBG Blueprint Cohort programs offer an environment for local and tribal government staff to hear from experts in workforce development, energy planning, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and more. Sharing success stories and challenges in the monthly sessions creates relationships among the cohort and helps localities avoid repeating mistakes. Instead, they learn together how to design successful workforce programs that sustain local economies.