Overview:

The Oregon Renewable Energy Act (SB 838), passed by the Oregon legislature, established a Renewable Energy Standard that requires Oregon's large and small utilities to aggressively increase their electricity from new, homegrown renewable energy sources by 2025. This, among other drivers of innovation, requires that the workforce be prepared with the skills and training required by the renewable energy industry. To this end, Worksystems is focused on wind and solar energy as key drivers of the region’s renewable energy portfolio.

For more information contact:
Jesse Aronson
503-478-7324
jaronson@worksystems.org

Next Steps & Ongoing Initiatives:

• Worksystems partnered with several different industry associations to help guide regional investments of over$180,000 in training for incumbent workers in the renewable energy industry. In partnership with Oregon Small Wind Energy Association (OSWEA), WSI funded training focused on installation, operation and financing. In partnership with Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association (OSEIA) WSI supported the annual NW Professional Solar Training.
• Worksystems partnered with the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership in their successful application for a $5 million/two-year DOL grant (ReNW) that will train over 1500 new and incumbent workers for the renewable electric power industry.
• Worksystems partnered with the Oregon Workforce Investment Board to help secure a $5.4 million/three-year DOL grant to train more than 1000 workers across the state for family wage jobs in several green and renewable energy industries.
• Worksystems was awarded a $4 million/two-year Pathways Out of Poverty grant by DOL to provide training in renewable energy and energy efficiency for disadvantaged populations. This initiative is strengthened by a partnership of twenty community based organizations committed to train over 300 people for green jobs.

This project is funded in whole or part with funds from Employer Workforce Training Funds administrered by the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development.