Advancing Training Pathways for the Renewable Energy Workforce

Abstract

Renewable energy careers are emerging at an unprecedented pace and skill sets associated with energy technology cut across both traditional and emerging industries. Energy production, distribution, infrastructure support, and consumption are significant components of Northwest Washington’s economic and workforce development. Given these trends, Bellingham Technical College (BTC), Western Washington University (WWU), and the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy have developed career training pathways in renewable energy that advance the capabilities of students, increase employability of graduates, and provide industry with a highly skilled workforce. Through this project, BTC has developed a new Associate of Applied Science – Transfer (AAST) degree model with strong academic foundation that focuses on contextualized advanced math and sciences. This foundation of contextualized academics and advanced technology competencies and skills is coupled with specialized certificate options that focus on renewable energy. Contextualization of coursework allows faculty to easily modify curriculum to keep up with industry trends in the rapidly changing field of renewable energy technology. Upon completion of both core and specialized coursework at BTC, students are prepared to enter the workforce as a skilled technician or can choose to directly articulate to the Institute of Energy Studies at Western Washington University. Having options to enter into the renewable energy industry at a variety of technical levels is powerful for students and is important to industry. Furthermore, since the AAS-T degree consists of a strong foundation of transferable academic coursework, students have the option to return to school after working in the field to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Energy Studies at WWU at junior level standing. The partners for this project each bring unique perspectives and strengths, making is a mutually beneficial collaboration. Bellingham Technical College provides expertise and facilities for effective and innovative technological education. Western Washington University participation fosters academic rigor and provides undergraduate research opportunities at the technician training level. Linking the two academic institutions with industry, the Pacific Northwest Center of Excellence for Clean Energy is a nationally recognized institution that provides strategic coordination for the energy industry’s skilled workforce. Together these three partners have worked closely with the renewable energy industry to ensure the program meets current industry demands. 1.0 Introduction & Rationale According to the US Energy Information Administration, global energy consumption has significantly increased and is expected to continue rising through 2035. The energy industry is working to increase energy efficiency and looking toward innovative technologies to meet the growing demand. Prominent energy companies like BP and Phillips 66 are starting new departments focused on alternative energy and investing in technology development and production. New energy technology career categories are emerging at an unprecedented pace, and skill sets associated with energy technology cut across both traditional and emerging industries. The number of green jobs in Washington rose 32% in the last few years, and these trends are expected to continue as the demand for energy increases and resources decrease. In Whatcom County alone, there are over 3,600 green jobs. Many emerging green energy jobs will be technical jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelor’s degree. It is estimated that new green occupations will be modifications of existing jobs, requiring a redefinition of skills, methods and occupational profiles. Some emerging green occupations will require the creation of new industry-recognized credentials and training programs, and many will require modifications to existing programs and courses to integrate green skills. A 2008-2009 survey of Washington State employers gathered data about the number and nature of green jobs in their firms. The results are shown in Table 1. The green economy is composed of industries and businesses engaged in four core areas: increasing energy efficiency, producing renewable energy, preventing and reducing environmental pollution, and providing mitigation or cleanup up of environmental pollution.