Based on the current economic condition and the need for job creation, a recent survey indicated there were many opportunities to create a new workforce based on the innovative technologies being deployed as well as the number of experienced professional expected to exit the energy industry. The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE), a nonprofit professional society of over 13,000 members, released the survey on Green Jobs and Energy Industry Market Trends. It’s based on over 1,500 qualified responses from working energy professionals. The survey found that:
•67% indicate there is a shortage today of energy-management practitioners.
•37% of experienced energy–utility professionals plan to retire in the next ten years.
•60% of energy professionals surveyed indicate a need for national and state training for “Green Jobs” to address job shortages that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles, and bio-fuels development.
•57% have received higher recognition for their energy efficiency responsibilities.
•42% have indicated increased availability of utility rebate programs for energy conservation or alternative projects.
•62% have considered installing renewable technologies such as wind or solar at their business.
“The need to develop a pool of qualified energy and green-collar professionals servicing the commercial, industrial, and governmental marketplace has never been greater,” says Albert Thumann, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers. “There is a dire need to implement programs and policies to stimulate effective energy efficiency training. The jobs are there – the skilled professionals to fulfill them may not.”
Association of Energy Engineers
Filed Under: News, Policy, Training
