Workforce development focuses on preparing skilled workers for emerging industries. In this case, it’s about building a workforce for the electrification industry, which involves transitioning from gas to electric appliances.
Key players in the electrification industry include:
- Heating and AC technicians
- Energy upgrade contractors
- Electricians
- General contractors
- Plumbers
To meet the growing demand for electrification projects, you must have a well-trained workforce with the expertise to lead the transition to an all-electric future. MCE is leading the initiative with its Green Workforce Pathways (GWP) Program.
To help build a skilled workforce, MCE created the GWP Program to connect job seekers with career opportunities in the electrification industry. The program recognizes that a flexible, tailored approach is essential to meet the diverse needs of the electrification industry. This approach bridges the gap between contractors and job seekers, ensuring that both parties are equipped with the latest skills.
Since 2021, the GWP Program has trained 80 job seekers in electrification and energy efficiency and placed 33 job seekers with local contractors.
MCE partners with local organizations to help develop training programs, offer specialized energy efficiency courses, and provide career readiness materials, ultimately connecting job seekers with contractors and clean energy projects. Local organizations include RichmondBUILD, Marin City Community Development Corporation, Rising Sun Center for Opportunity, Future Build, Association for Energy Affordability, SEI, and Workforce Alliance of the North Bay.
For Contractors
MCE understands the effort required to recruit and train new hires. Through the GWP Program, contractors receive the following support for training and recruitment:
- Access to trained job seekers
- Subsidized training costs for the first 160 hours of each new hire
- Additional training subsidies
For Job Seekers
GWP Program participants can receive training in basic construction, arithmetic, social norms, technical knowledge, and fieldwork.
Participants also receive the following benefits:
- Pairing with prequalified contractors.
- Preferred consideration for job placement.
- MCE-funded pay for the first 160 hours of work.
- Access to career-readiness training and work experience.
- Over 80 hours of online training.
- Funding for tools and equipment.
The shift to clean energy isn’t just about technology. It’s also about people. The industry needs workers who are trained in the latest green technologies. By connecting job seekers with opportunities in green trades and by supporting local businesses, the GWP Program is helping to ensure that the clean energy industry has the people it needs to thrive.
Blog by Madeline Sarvey
