Building Oregon’s Clean Energy Workforce
To create Oregon’s clean energy future, we need workers of all kinds: EV charger installers, linemen, construction workers, policymakers, science educators – and many more.
That’s why we’re collaborating with partners across the state to create new pathways to these careers, so that the clean energy workforce of tomorrow reflects the diversity of our state.
To create Oregon’s clean energy future, we need workers of all kinds: EV charger installers, linemen, construction workers, policymakers, science educators – and many more.
That’s why we’re collaborating with partners across the state to create new pathways to these careers, so that the clean energy workforce of tomorrow reflects the diversity of our state.
Convening partners from across the industry
In 2022, PGE launched the Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (OCEWC) to tackle some of the industry’s biggest workforce challenges. OCEWC is comprised of stakeholders from around the state including representatives from state, Tribal, and local governments, labor unions, workforce development boards, education and training providers, employers, and community-based organizations. Together, we’ve received several federal grants to advance our efforts.
Oregon Clean Energy Workforce coalition members:
Industry
Avangrid Renewables
Eugene Water and Electric Board
NextEra
Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition
Oregon Municipal Electric Utilities Association
Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Community Renewable Energy Association
Oregon Business for Climate
Oregon Solar and Storage Industries Association
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative
Pacific Power
Portland General Electric
Renewable Northwest
Umatilla Cooperative
Vestas
Training and education providers
Bonneville Environmental Foundation
ChargerHelp!
Charli Charging
Clackamas Community College
Columbia Gorge Community College
Lane Community College
Leaders Become Legends
Mt. Hood Community College
Oregon Tradeswomen
Oregon Training Institute
Portland Community College
SkillsUSA
Treasure Valley Community College
Labor
ATU Local 57
Columbia Pacific Building Trades Council
IBEW Local 125
IBEW Local 48
Ironworkers Local 29
NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center
Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council
Oregon & Southern Idaho District Council of Laborers
Western States Carpenters
Community based organizations and nonprofits
Blue Green Alliance
CETI Institute
Climate Solutions
Constructing Hope
Earth Advantage
Energy Trust of Oregon
EnerCity Collaborative
Ideal Community Strategies
Leaders Become Legends
Self Enhancement Inc
VertueLab
Workforce development organizations
Clackamas Workforce Partnership
East Cascades Works
Eastern Oregon Workforce Board
Lane Workforce Partnership
NW Oregon Works
Oregon Workforce Talent Development Board
Southwestern Oregon Workforce Investment Board
Worksystems Inc.
Governments
Association of Oregon Counties
Bonneville Power Administration
Oregon Department of Energy
Oregon Department of Education
Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Housing and Community Services
Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
Oregon Office of Community Colleges and Workforce Development
Oregon Youth Works
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
Prosper Portland
Tribes
Organization:
Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs
“PGE knows that creating a clean, reliable, and equitable energy future for Oregon requires investments in the people to help us build it. We’re proud to work with our coalition partners to build a more inclusive workforce that will meet the needs of employers today and in the future.”
– Anne Mersereau, Vice President of Human Resources, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition grants
Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition selected as a member of the Quality Green Jobs Regional Challenge
This first round of funding will allow PGE and coalition of partners aim to gain a deeper understanding of regional needs, risks and opportunities related to jobs in the clean energy labor market. The clean energy economy has a role for everyone, and – together with our partners – we’re proud to be a leader in efforts to shape a more inclusive and equitable energy industry.
Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition receives grant to develop a skilled, diverse and inclusive clean energy workforce
OCEWC will utilize funding from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Critical Sectors Job Quality Grants Program to scale and expand a pre-apprenticeship program at Oregon correctional facilities, to engage youth in energy career learning opportunities, and to collaborate with community-based organizations to improve access to clean energy jobs for career seekers throughout Oregon.
Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition advances to second phase of the Quality Green Jobs Regional Challenge
As one of 10 semifinalists selected by JFF, this second round of funding will allow PGE and coalition partners to conduct a statewide market assessment to better understand workforce needs, obstacles and opportunities in Oregon.
Training adults in custody for clean energy careers
Through a grant awarded to the OCEWC from the U.S. Department of Labor, adults in custody will have new pathways to construction careers in the clean energy sector. The Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program provides women at the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility the opportunity to participate in a 12-week construction trades skill-building course run by local unions – Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 1, Cement Masons Local 555 and Ironworkers Local 29. Upon release, graduates have direct entry or preferential placement at an apprenticeship program, leading to quality jobs in high-demand fields.
