Page 33 - Skills - 2024

Industry Outlook: Clean Energy
BY RITA ROSS
AThis growing field provides a chance to embark on a career that makes a positive impact.
s Westchester continues to serve as a hub in Upcoming county initiatives include structuring a clean- the clean-energy economy, local businesses energy curriculum with partners like SUNY Westchester and county agencies are expanding programs Community College and holding job fairs focused
to train and hire more workers. on the industry. “We’re also looking at establishing an
A 2023 report by the New York Association apprenticeship program specifically for geothermal drilling, of Training and Employment Professionals (NYATEP) notes due to a shortage of trained workers for that type of work,”
that the state hit a record high of more than 165,000 clean- energy jobs as of the end of 2021. Three-fourths of those positions are in building electrification and decarbonization (the latter involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings), followed by renewable electric-power generation, and clean and alternative transportation.
“It’s an interesting time of growth in terms of the clean- energy field,” says Bridget Gibbons, director of economic development for Westchester County. “And fortunately,
a lot of federal and state funding is available to increase training programs.”
The county partnered in 2023 with the nonprofit Sustainable Westchester to establish a Clean Energy Careers Accelerator Program, Gibbons notes. “It helps get more Westchester residents trained and helps clean- energy solution providers’ businesses grow.”
she adds.
A career in clean energy might be right for you if:
• Keeping up with evolving technology interests you.
• You’re adaptable in learning new skills.
• You seek a career with long-term growth prospects.
• You want to contribute to improving the environment.
What’s Hot. What’s Next. What’s Needed. 2024 SKILLS 31
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