A Milestone Achieved: IREC Spearheads Registered Apprenticeships to Catalyze Clean Energy Employment
In an epochal stride toward sustainable development and a clean energy future, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC) has been honored with a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of clean energy workers. Chosen by the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship, IREC is set to serve as an Industry Intermediary, developing Registered Apprenticeships in the dynamically growing clean energy sector.
A Coalition Formed to Lead the Future:
Envisaging a cleaner future requires collective efforts, and thus the Apprenticeships in Clean Energy (ACE) Network has been founded. This national alliance, spearheaded by IREC, unites industry, educational, and workforce development leaders to sculpt, diversify, and enlarge Registered Apprenticeship (RA) opportunities in the burgeoning clean energy industry. Amidst a period where clean energy jobs are slated for monumental growth, the ACE Network emerges as a beacon, providing vital technical assistance and establishing information-sharing networks crucial to advancing RA programs across diverse sectors and professions.
Partnership for Progress:
The ACE Network is graced with the partnership of reputable organizations such as the Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation (IWSI America), Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and numerous others, all devoted to propagating clean energy careers through high-quality RA pathways. Larry Sherwood, CEO of IREC, reflected, “Registered Apprenticeships will be crucial in developing a talented, diverse pipeline prepared to navigate our transition to a cleaner energy future.”
IWSI America, with over four decades of adroitness in sculpting apprenticeship and workforce development strategies, aligns its expertise with the ACE Network. IWSI Executive Director, Nicholas Wyman noted, “Expanding registered apprenticeship across the clean energy sector ensures that the U.S. economy is well-positioned to seize the economic benefits of the clean energy transition fully.”
Catalyzing Economic and Community Growth:
The robust transition towards renewable energy presents a golden opportunity to create millions of quality jobs and infuse economic investment into communities across the nation. However, this rapid shift also signifies a historic skills and workforce development challenge, which ACE Network ardently addresses through its efforts.
Focusing on Equity and Inclusion:
A core objective of the ACE Network is to underscore Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) in the new clean energy RA program design. Through a meticulously crafted outreach and recruitment strategy, the network is bent on engaging and including underserved communities and populations that have historically been underrepresented.
National and Local Outreach:
The ACE Network's endeavors are not confined to a national level but permeate through regional and state echelons via regional affiliate organizations and state working groups. State-level organizations like the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation (AAEF) express elation at the funding and support, leveraging the RA model to nurture local talent through an equitable, learn-while-you-earn pathway.
Invitation to Stakeholders:
RA programs, recognized for their quintessential training model across varied industries, possess immense potential to similarly propel clean energy career pathways. Stakeholders intrigued by this prospect are encouraged to express their interest and remain abreast of program updates.
The amalgamation of collective efforts from IREC, IWSI America, and all partnering organizations symbolizes a potent step towards addressing the unprecedented challenges and opportunities presented by the clean energy transition. Through strategic alliances, technical proficiency, and a fervent commitment to workforce development, the ACE Network aspires to light the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future, powered by skilled and diverse talent.
About IREC:
With a 40-year legacy of fostering rapid adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency, IREC endeavors to actualize a 100% clean energy future that champions reliability, resilience, and equity. Known for its unparalleled clean energy expertise and pivotal role in propagating regulatory reforms, technical standards, and workforce solutions, IREC has become an emblem of trust and innovation in the clean energy realm. Learn more about their transformative work at www.irecusa.org.
Note: This project has been partially or fully funded with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration. The views and information provided do not necessarily mirror the policies or views of the Department of Labor, and the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations does not imply endorsement by the U.S. government.
Media Contact: Avery Palmer, Communications Projects Director, averyp@irecusa.org, 202-302-2765.
