IREC's Green Workforce Connect platform is featuring more career opportunities in Pennsylvania in the rapidly growing fields of home energy performance and clean energy. This platform offers essential resources for job seekers, employers, and training providers in support of a sustainable future.
On Green Workforce Connect, developed by IREC and a diverse network of partners, Pennsylvania's green energy employers can connect with job seekers, contractors, training providers, and community organizations. The platform allows them to share career pathways and training programs with qualified candidates in these highly in-demand fields.
Green Workforce Connect now features more than 30 Pennsylvania employers and training providers in the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income households make their homes more energy efficient. An extensive resource hub provides information on recruitment, retention, training and certification, career pathways in clean energy, a quiz for job seekers, Registered Apprenticeship programs, and much more. Green Workforce Connect launched this year as a pilot program in Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin, and is now expanding nationwide.
"The building performance industry is booming in Pennsylvania with an urgent need for skilled and motivated workers," said Jason Embick, executive director of the Clean Energy Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology. "Green Workforce Connect is a tremendous resource: It will help us connect job seekers with employment opportunities in the weatherization industry and offer employers opportunities for partnership."
The platform allows users to enter their zip code and bring up a list of employers, training providers, and other opportunities in their area. Job seekers can connect directly with organizations to learn about employment or training opportunities, while employers can contact other organizations for partnerships and collaboration.
Contractors are invited to download the Contractor's Guide to Success, which is designed to help companies understand how they can connect with contract opportunities in the building performance industry.
The platform also includes up-to-date resources on Registered Apprenticeship programs in fields such as solar and storage, wind energy, electric vehicles, and building performance. Employers that want to start or join a Registered Apprenticeship program can receive technical assistance at no cost and apply to receive financial resources.
Other resources on Green Workforce Connect include descriptions of typical job roles; career stories from real professionals in renewable energy and energy efficiency; resources on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA); and much more.
"As we move toward a clean energy future, it will be an urgent priority to develop a qualified, trained, and diverse workforce," said Janell Hills-Thomas, Senior Director, Equitable Workforce Strategies at IREC. "In the coming months, we're looking forward to expanding the Green Workforce Connect platform to additional states and adding new opportunities and industries."
Green Workforce Connect received feedback from a diverse network of partners and advisors with expertise in the Weatherization Assistance Program, clean energy apprenticeships, and related fields. Explore the platform at GreenWorkforceConnect.org.
MEDIA CONTACT: Avery Palmer, Communications Projects Director, IREC, averyp@irecusa.org, (202)-302-2765.
