State Releases Report Defining Workforce Needs to Achieve Colorado’s Ambitious Climate Goals

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Denver ~ Denver - The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) has released its first-ever Colorado Climate Workforce Analysis & Plan, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). This report, funded by a federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and state funding, aims to identify key careers and strategies to achieve net-zero emissions in Colorado by 2050.

Governor Jared Polis expressed his support for the report, stating that clean energy not only protects the environment but also creates good jobs and economic growth. He believes that a strong workforce is crucial in driving innovation and achieving climate goals.

According to CEO Executive Director Will Toor, a robust climate workforce is essential for implementing the state's plan to reduce emissions across all economic sectors. He emphasized the importance of individuals who build energy-efficient homes, install solar panels and geothermal systems, and service electric vehicles and charging stations. The report's recommendations will help ensure that the workforce is equipped to support the widespread adoption of new technologies.

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The report identifies 20 "climate critical occupations" that are expected to have the largest gaps between projected growth and demand in order to achieve the state's climate goals. These include electricians, construction laborers and managers, wind turbine service technicians, solar panel installers, power-line installers/repair technicians, EV automotive technicians, and HVAC technicians trained in heat pump technology.

To address these gaps and barriers in participating in the climate workforce, the report recommends strategies such as early exposure to climate careers in K-12 schools, creating more training options across the state (especially in rural areas), strengthening Registered Apprenticeship programs for critical occupations, improving coordination among entities involved in the climate workforce space, and focusing on improving access to training opportunities for rural communities.

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CWDC Managing Director Lee Wheeler-Berliner believes that achieving Colorado's ambitious climate goals depends on rapidly training a skilled and diverse pipeline of talent across the state. He stated that the report provides a framework for collective action and looks forward to working with the Energy Office to scale proven workforce strategies and innovate new opportunities.

This report is part of Colorado's larger efforts to develop the climate workforce, which includes a Registered Apprenticeship through the Weatherization Assistance Program, funding for upskilling and new training programs through the Training for Residential Energy Contractors grant, and a Zero Emissions Vehicle Workforce Development group.

With these recommendations and initiatives in place, Colorado is taking significant steps towards achieving its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. The state recognizes the importance of a strong climate workforce in driving clean energy innovation and creating economic opportunities while protecting the environment.

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