The Sponsors of Mass Save®, a collaborative of Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers, have announced the launch of the Clean Energy Pathways Program, a new workforce development initiative aimed at boosting the energy efficiency workforce and increasing access to opportunities for individuals historically underrepresented in the industry, including women, people of color and LGBTQI+, first generation, and/or multilingual individuals.
The energy efficiency industry has increased 86% since 2010 and is the largest job creator across America’s energy sector. The industry offers promising career paths with lucrative wages that everyone should have an opportunity to pursue.
The Sponsors of Mass Save are excited that the following organizations and communities have joined us in this important initiative:
- Greater Lawrence Technical Highschool
- MassHire Springfield Career Center
- Asian American Civic Association
- The communities of Fall River, Lawrence, Springfield, Mattapan, Roxbury, Dorchester
The Clean Energy Pathways Program will work with the above organizations to best identify work-ready young people from underrepresented communities, provide training for participating individuals, and place them with HVAC and weatherization business partners for a nine-month, fully paid internship.
The Sponsors of Mass Save and participating business partners are committed to making the industry a welcoming place for all community members. The program will also provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for participating business partners to ensure workplace inclusivity with a goal of strong intern retention and post-program job placement.
“The launch of Clean Energy Pathways Program comes at a time when employers in the energy efficiency industry are looking to fill high-needs jobs and build their workforce with well-qualified candidates to help our region meet its aggressive climate goals,” Penni Conner, Eversource SVP and Chief Customer Officer, said. “There is no better time than now to work together with our business partners and local communities to increase the number of diverse, prepared and qualified candidates entering the industry.”
The program trains and fully prepares individuals for success in the energy efficiency industry. Once candidates qualify for the Clean Energy Pathways program and are selected by a participating community organization, they will meet the rest of the internship team and receive a stipend and supported training in the field of HVAC or weatherization. Following training, the participants will be placed in a nine-month paid internship, and after which Mass Save Sponsors will provide job placement support for the interns.
“The goal of the Clean Energy Pathways Program is to open up opportunities for success for individuals that have been historically underrepresented in the energy efficiency industry, while also ensuring that there is a pipeline of well qualified workers to continue the important work required to enable a more sustainable, energy efficient future,” said John Isberg, Vice President, Sales and Solutions, National Grid. “Not only will these individuals gain valuable skills and receive job placements, through the Clean Energy Pathways Program they will be supported every step of the way, receiving continued mentorship, networking and training opportunities to ensure a bright, successful career.”
For more information about the Clean Energy Pathways Internship Program, please visit: www.masssave.com/cleanenergypathways.
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About Mass Save
Mass Save® is a collaborative of Massachusetts’ natural gas and electric utilities and energy efficiency service providers including Berkshire Gas, Cape Light Compact, Eversource, Liberty Utilities, National Grid, and Unitil. We empower residents, businesses, and communities to make energy efficient upgrades by offering a wide range of services, rebates, incentives, trainings, and information.