Mass. energy professional training and resources now listed centrally
Submitted by Marybeth Campbell
2011-01-25 14:07:02
BOSTON - The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced the official launch of two new online resources dedicated to connecting people throughout the Commonwealth to information about Massachusetts-based clean energy education and training programs.
The new website - http://cleanenergyeducation.org - makes it easy for job seekers, workforce training providers, educational institutes and employers to find information about clean energy training and education programs, ranging from one-day training workshops to doctoral programs in clean energy. The site, which MassCEC created in partnership with the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnership (NEEP) and the New England Clean Energy Council (NECEC), includes an online database cataloging clean energy training and education programs in Massachusetts, and a networking tool for training and education providers to share best practices and program information.
The MassCEC, NEEP, NECEC and SkillWorks will hold a webinar to introduce the online search tool on Wednesday, February 2nd from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. To register:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/290343353
"Developing a strong workforce is a critical element of maintaining Massachusetts’ leadership in the global clean energy economy," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Richard K. Sullivan Jr., who chairs MassCEC's board.
"These are essential tools in positioning the Commonwealth as a leader in the clean energy market through a well-trained, educated workforce that meets industry needs and provides opportunities for individuals and businesses seeking to enter the industry," said MassCEC Executive Director Patrick Cloney.
The database lists more than 140 clean energy-related education and training programs in Massachusetts at more than 80 institutions, such as universities, community colleges, vocational/technical schools, labor unions, not-for-profit groups, professional associations, and for-profit institutions.
"Workforce development is critical to meet Massachusetts’ objectives for accelerating energy efficiency and clean energy resources that can meet future energy needs," said Susan Coakley, Executive Director of NEEP. "The Clean Energy Education Directory provides job seekers and employers with a resource to prepare for this rapidly expanding market. Moreover, the directory has great potential to grow as a regional resource as other Northeast states ramp up their clean energy workforce capacities. Our partnership with MassCEC and NECEC in developing this directory is a great model for those states to follow."
"The number of training programs springing up in Massachusetts is staggering," said New England Clean Energy Council President Peter Rothstein. "Compiling those offerings in one place will make it easier for users to find the training they need and, ultimately, to better compete for jobs in clean energy."
In addition, MassCEC announced that a library of new, clean energy curriculum resources developed in partnership with the Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public workforce development agency affiliated with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), is now available for download:
http://MassCEC.com/curriculum
"Two secretariats – Energy & Environmental Affairs and Labor & Workforce Development – partnered to leverage our respective expertise and knowledge about the clean energy industry and training design to ensure that Massachusetts workers have access to state of the art training for clean energy jobs in Massachusetts." Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Joanne Goldstein.
"These six organizations purchased equipment, trained staff and developed curricula to build their capacity to prepare Massachusetts residents for jobs in the clean energy sector," said Commonwealth Corporation President and CEO Nancy Snyder. "We are particularly excited that the curricula developed through this initiative will be accessible for other Massachusetts workforce training providers to build similar capacity to serve people in their regions."
In 2009, MassCEC and Commonwealth Corporation awarded six grants totaling $1 million to develop comprehensive workforce development programs for the clean energy industry. The six grantees produced more than 30 lesson plans, certificates and training programs for high school and college students, at-risk youth and low-income populations, building and trade professionals, and clean energy employers. Topics range from solar photovoltaic and solar thermal installation, energy efficiency practices and best practices in developing train-the-trainer programs for construction trade programs for vocational schools, to programs for university level undergraduate and graduate students that address the engineering, business, politics and economics of clean energy.
All project descriptions and curriculum, including downloadable files for each lesson, are available at http://masscec.com/curriculum and http://commcorp.org/areas/program.cfm?ID=72&p=30 .
Below is a list of the awardees and the program developed through their grants:
Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District
- Professional and curriculum development in weatherization, solar photovoltaic and solar thermal for vocational school instructor network
Western New England College
- Green energy concentration for a Bachelor’s of Science in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, including special focuses on wind energy
University of Massachusetts, Boston
- Interdisciplinary degree and certificate programs at the graduate and undergraduate levels for science, business, politics, economics, and policy dimensions of clean energy, climate change.
Asian American Civic Association
- Energy efficiency technician apprenticeship program
Bristol Community College
- Online course in green energy design and building, with hands-on workshops targeted at building industry professionals and vocational school students
Nuestras Raices
- Renewable energy technology certificate program and learning labs at Holyoke Community College
- Training for solar thermal in new lab space at Roots Up Center for low-income youth
Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, MassCEC's mission is to foster the growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry by providing seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; funding job training and workforce development programs; and, as home of the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust, supporting the installation of renewable energy projects throughout the state.
Visit our website:
http://MassCEC.com
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