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Green Jobs in New Jersey’s Energy Economy
Jennifer M. Cleary
The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Edward J. Bloustein School for Planning and Public Policy
John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
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What are “Green Jobs”?
• No standard definition
• Most are traditional jobs with a “green layer”
• Cross many industries/occupational titles
• Media and policy makers focusing on green jobs in the energy sector
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Green Jobs in New Jersey’s Energy Sector
Renewable/Clean Energy• Solar/photovoltaics• Off-shore wind• Biomass• Geothermal• Hydropower• Hydrogen• Nuclear• Co-generation
Energy Efficiency/ Conservation
• Building Retrofits/ “Green Construction
• Energy efficient products• Corporate Energy Use
Management
Two Broad Industry Areas
Source: Northwest Community Energy
Because these jobs cross many industry and job categories, data on the number of green jobs in NJ is not available.
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Common Job Categories
Architecture, Engineering, and Project ManagementHigh-skill design, engineering, project mgt.
ManufacturingProduction of RE/EE products and parts
Research and Development Basic research, testing and development of new RE/EE products and technologies.
Business Administration
Financial/Sales/MarketingInformation Technology
Carbon/SREC trading
Construction, Installation, Repair, and MaintenanceSkilled trades workers and laborers
Building auditors and ratersFacilities management
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What Affects the Growth of Green Jobs in the Energy Sector?
State and Federal Energy Policy and Incentives– Federal stimulus– Clean Energy Program– NJ Energy Master Plan– Governor’s Green Jobs initiative
Technological advances - New, cheaper technology
The Economy– Consumer & business
spending power – The price of traditional
energy
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Education Priorities for a Green Energy Economy
Long-term skill needs include: Sustainability Systems knowledge Green technologies, standards, and business processes Life cycle analysis Green financing and carbon/renewable trading concepts
Specific hiring and short-term training needs are still emerging – Stay tuned!
Ultimately, evolving job demand and job standards will drive training needs
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Key Green Jobs Programs in New Jersey
Industry & Union Education Initiatives– PSEG/JCPL energy programs/AS degree– IBEW solar training/other efforts to improve training
State-led efforts– BPU Clean Energy Programs (incentives/contractors)– Industry Workforce Advisory Councils– Customized Training– REDDI/ Green Jobs Partnership/Youthbuild (LWD)– Innovation Partnership Institute Grants (Curriculum development)
- Stevens (nuclear technology)- Essex County College (facilities
management, construction design/build)
City-based Green Jobs/Green Training – Trenton (Isles, inc.)– Newark (Lincoln Park) & 2 other cities
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A Coordinated, Flexible Workforce Development Infrastructure is Essential to Success
Coordination needed among:• Educational Institutions• Community-based Organizations • Workforce/Economic Development • Labor Unions
Key benefits:• Respond to employer demand as it evolves• Ensure access for diverse workforce• Be competitive for state/federal grants
Key Elements• Asset map• Formal partnerships• Feedback mechanisms• Articulation agreements• “stackable credentials”• Accreditation and certification pathways
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• Track policy changes
• Assess emerging impact on employer skill needs
• Participate in coordination efforts to improve alignment of programming with labor market demand.
• Green training cannot occur in isolation from traditional industries and skill sets - Career pathways/ladders can be linked to current industry efforts (i.e., energy sector, construction)
• Accreditation, certification is important
Key Points Educators Need to Know
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Contact Information
The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public
Policy, Rutgers University
www.heldrich.rutgers.edu
Jennifer Cleary, [email protected]
