Building the clean energy workforce of tomorrow

Brooke's answer: PGE’s strategy is focused on how we can provide equitable and inclusive career opportunities for populations who are underrepresented in the energy workforce today – and for those most affected by climate change. This means leading the state in our advocacy for creating high quality jobs within the clean energy sector and partnering with pre-apprenticeship programs, workforce and community-based organizations that serve underrepresented populations. Our union partners are also critical. I like to say that we rely on a lot of other people in the state doing their job well in order for us to do our job well too. From weatherization to construction to HVAC, we are a connected system such that if one part is failing, we all fail.

In 2022, PGE convened the Oregon Clean Energy Workforce Coalition (OCEWC), which is a group of nearly 70 organizations from around the state that are connected to the clean energy workforce. The coalition includes unions, workforce development boards, local/state/Tribal governments, utilities, community-based organizations, training providers and other employers. The OCEWC’s work is not about one individual organization, but rather how we can collectively work together to build a skilled, inclusive workforce.

Brooke's answer: Our industry is undergoing rapid transformation, changing how we generate electricity and creating technologies to decarbonize the power system. Workforce development is a critical component of this transformation, to ensure we have enough people with the skills required to enact this transition.

Generally speaking, our industry has a bit of a branding problem. Most kids aren’t saying they want to work for a utility when they grow up, unless they know someone who works in the industry. This means we need to invest in K-12 education programs that teach younger generations about career possibilities available to them. It also means supporting the creation of quality, family-wage jobs with attractive benefits so workers want to stay in the industry long term.

"Investing in people from different backgrounds, skillsets and mindsets will help create the innovative environment needed to build the clean energy future that customers demand."

Brooke's answer: When I was young, my dad told me to never work a day longer than you have to in a job that you hate. I’ve held that value my entire career. I ended up in my career based on an internship I had in college with the Port of Portland in their Community Affairs department. I learned about a career pathway I didn’t even know existed, and it allowed me to find opportunities to do work that I love professionally, and to volunteer my time with several organizations connected to this space. The opportunities provided to me through that internship program are not available to everyone – but they should be.

One of the areas I’m most passionate about is providing opportunities for those who have been formerly incarcerated. Through a grant the OCEWC received from the U.S. Depart of Labor, we are expanding a pre-apprenticeship program at three correctional facilities across the state. Upon release, those program graduates will have easier entry into apprenticeship programs at one of the three union crafts (cement masons, ironworkers and bricklayers). I had the opportunity to speak to the first three cohorts of this program at Coffee Creek Correctional Facility, and it has been incredibly rewarding and exciting. The women in these programs are so excited about supporting the clean energy transition and have the kinds of curious minds we will need to support the transformation of our sector.

Brooke's answer: Our big focus over the next year will be conducting a statewide workforce market assessment, funded by another grant we just received from Jobs for the Future. This study will help us better understand workforce needs and obstacles in the state, and develop a roadmap for OCEWC’s next steps. We now have millions of dollars going toward building the workforce of the future in Oregon to support the clean energy transition. I’m so excited about the work ahead of us!