GREEN ENERGY JOBS–Theme Group Summary
What other work is happening in this field?
- TC Action,
- ASI, Halco,
- LIUNA,
- Ken Schlather’s project,
- Renouvas,
- Performance Systems,
- TC3-Green Energy Technology,
- Snug Planet, Better Housing/INHS,
- CU Preconstruction Program,
- Workforce NY Green Jobs Panel and
- “Green Energy” monthly projects
Barriers to remove:
- Lack of math skills (transportation to TC3)
- Age discrimination—need programs for adults
- Little awareness of the breadth of opportunities in green jobs beyond installation.
- Inadequate transportation
The needs:
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Internships/training: math skills,
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GEDs,
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funding,
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equipment,
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insurance so skilled people can train and mentor others,
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someone to go after and manage grants
What can we do?
-Get businesses together to bring in funds for on-the-job training so people are ready to fill future jobs, eg.
- TCAD support
- Financial institutions
- Mentors from IC, CU, etc.
-Develop a construction math course
-Provide accessible transportation or have companies move near bus routes
-Engage grass roots people who can give training that is less expensive
-Figure out how to provide funding and training courses
-Provide insurance to cover liability and other costs to employer willing to do OJT,
-Provide apprenticeships
-Groom people to network and build relationships
-Train hiring managers to:
- Hire local v. college grad
- Look at skill and experience v. test results
- Look at actual qualifications needed
-Empower newly trained local people and people of color
-Provide support to new small businesses
-Build a coalition to identify business needs and needs on the street
-Find employers who are most open and build relationships with them
-Present energy jobs as an option for youth
-Get large entities to partner with smaller businesses and community organizations
-Work with the city, Cornell, the county to modify requirements
-Convince funders and those with power to step out of their boxes
What habits should we break and what new habits should we cultivate?
- Be less territorial/Work together more collaboratively
- Fight the perception that the needs are met and services exist and therefore new efforts are not needed
- Know that people want to work, not just “to have a job”
- Drop the habit of saying why things can’t be done, and shift to “How to….?”
- Promote the benefits of green jobs “like crazy”
For more information – or to make additions or corrections (if you were in this group) please contact Dee Gamble (dee.gamble@cornell.edu) at CCE’s Green Jobs Program (607-272-2292 ext.267).
