green economy workforce development practices to ensureskilled stem workers october 2011 ecoamerica...

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Green Economy Workforce Development Practices to EnsureSkilled STEM Workers

October 2011


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SEED: Brought to you by AACC

A coordinated national strategy to support community colleges in building a green and

sustainable economy

Supported by the Kresge Foundation


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Speakers

• Jerry Weber, Ph.D , President, College of Lake County (IL) and Chair, AACC Sustainability Task Force

• Shelly Jewell, Director of Grant Initiatives , Connecticut Community College System

• Cheryl Putnam, Project Coordinator, CTSTEM Jobs Partnership

• Todd Cohen, Program Director, AACC


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AACC Sustainability Taskforce

• 40+ presidents from across the U.S. committed to supporting sustainability and SEED

• Mission: To position community colleges as leaders in the national sustainability movement by promoting promising models and advocating for their role in building the green economy


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Why Invest in the Green Economy and Why Colleges

• Brookings: since 2003, newer green businesses (wind energy, solar PV, smart grid) added jobs at a “torrid pace”

• Median wages in the clean economy are 13 % higher than median U.S. wages

• Community colleges -- an essential vehicle by providing green education and promoting sustainability to a new generation of leaders


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SEED Is…

•A leadership initiative: 430+ college presidents and campuses as members

•A resource center: 450+ resources to inform faculty, deans, staff

•A sharing community: online and through peer-to-peer workshops


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Case Studies and Toolkits


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Curricular Materials and Workshops


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STEM and Green• No question that green economy is reliant upon

workers who are adept at STEM

• Community colleges are vital in part because sustainability/green becoming more a central part of what colleges are doing

• We’ll continue to support PKAL, U.S. Dept of Ed, and other efforts


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SEED: What’s Coming

• New Toolkit: Engaging Trustees in Campus Sustainability Efforts

• Next webinars: Rural-based Green Jobs: What’s the Community College Role? (early Nov); Cutting Edge Hybrid Vehicle Training (Nov 30)

• Peer-to-peer Workshop: at AACC’s Workforce Development Institute (Jan 25 2011)

Keep up to date at www.theseedcenter.org

(sign up for the newsletter)

http://www.theseedcenter.org/


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Green Economy Workforce Practices to Ensure Skilled STEM Workers

STEM TechConference

Indianapolis, IN October 2, 2011

Connecticut Community Colleges


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Linking STEM with Green Workforce Education and Careers

CTSTEMJOBS and SOAR initiatives began in early 2009• Proposals developed by same key partners with intention to align and

leverage grant resources & programs• Initiatives designed to address skills, competencies, credentials to meet

employer needs• SOAR was the first major effort in the CCCS to develop STEM-based credit

certificates in sustainability and green workforce education• Coach/advisor/coordinator roles were refined from prior CBJTGs in

healthcare and manufacturing • Initiatives address workforce readiness in addition to foundational and

technical education based upon industry recommendations


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Sustainable Operations: Alternative & Renewable Energy Initiative (SOAR)

Solar Technology Program


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Sustainable Operations Alternative and Renewable Energy Initiative (SOAR)

• The SOAR Energy Initiative has created programs to teach students how to go green.

• SOAR certificate programs can:lead to a new careerreinvigorate an existing career, and prepare students to pursue a higher degree.


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SOARSOAR can teach students how to:

create and maintain energy-efficient, healthy buildingsapply sustainable landscape ecology skillswork with solar equipment and systemsmaintain alternative–fuel vehiclesprovide service for a clean water treatment plantconduct home energy audits, and more!


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The SOAR Initiative

Funded by a $2 million USDOL Community-Based Job Training Grant and run by the Connecticut Community College System.

SOAR programs are for-credit college-level certificate programsInclude foundational & technical courses.


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SOAR & STEM PartnersCT Business & Industry

AssociationCT Center for Advanced

TechnologyClean Energy Finance &

Investment AuthorityCT Dept. of LaborCT Technical High SchoolsCT Women’s Education and Legal

FundDept. of Economic DevelopmentDept. of Higher Ed.Adult Education

Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Interstate Renewable Energy Council

Institute for Sustainable Energy (ESCU)

CT Energy Workforce ConsortiumCT State Dept. of Educ.Workforce Investment BoardsOffice for Workforce

CompetitivenessAnd many more


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SOAR Regional Coordinators

Regional Coordinators help students succeed:provide prospective students with program

informationmeet with students when they begin and stay in

touch throughout the programassist with problems that might keep students from

succeedinghelp students find internships during the program

and job opportunities as they near program completion.


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SOAR Certificate Programs


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Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technologies(BEST) Certificate

Prepares students for new “green collar” jobs in building efficiency, sustainable building and renewable energies.

Emphasis on building science, analyzing and retrofitting of existing homes and buildings, health and safety for building occupants, building new sustainable structures, and the use of alternative &renewable energy sources.

Students conduct hands-on home energy audits. Helps prepare students for the BPI Building Analyst and the

RESNET HERS Rater Certifications, nationally-recognized accreditations.


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SOAR Certificate ProgramsCertificate in Sustainable Energy An overview of emerging theory & practical application in alternative

energy systems. Preparing students to work in or start a business in sustainable energy &

energy auditing fields, the program reviews major energy sources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, bio-fuels and fossil fuels. Electrical, heating, and cooling systems are also covered.

Students learn the skills necessary to evaluate the energy performance of buildings & to recommend energy-efficiency strategies.

With a foundation of mathematics and engineering, this program also explores current trends in the field and offers either an entrepreneurship or financial focus.


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Alternative Energy Systems Technology Certificate

Students prepare for a broad range of careers in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and utility sectors.

With a foundation of courses in engineering technology and manufacturing, the program equips students with the technical hands-on skills demanded by employers.

Courses, labs, guest speakers, site tours and job shadow opportunities allow students to work with sustainable energy technologies, including fuel cells, solar panels, solar hot-water heaters, geothermal systems, alternative fuel vehicles, and facilities designed with “green” in mind.

Flexibility within the program allows students to explore additional courses in green technology, computer-aided design, manufacturing or engineering.


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SOAR Certificate ProgramsAlternative Energy Transportation Technology

Certificate Students are taught entry-level mechanical skills required to fill technical

jobs in alternative-energy transportation operations.

With hands-on learning in a laboratory environment, students work with tools, equipment and materials commonly used to operate, maintain, repair and analyze alternative-fuel vehicle systems, including electric and hybrid drives and gaseous and liquid fuels (Compressed Natural Gas/Liquefied Natural Gas/Bio-fuel).

An internship component is included.


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SOAR Certificate ProgramsSolar Technology Certificate Teaches operational skills and imparts a basic understanding of photovoltaic,

solar thermal, and passive solar equipment used as energy sources for residential and commercial buildings, the roles government and non-government agencies play in the field, and the importance of safety.

Course work in electricity and electronics is included. Students will be prepared for entry-level positions in companies that manufacture, install and/or maintain solar technology systems.

Successful graduates are eligible to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) entry-level exam.


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SOAR Certificate ProgramsClean Water Management Certificate Classroom- and laboratory-based academic preparation is taught for the

Class I, II, III, and IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Certification Examinations administered by the CT DEP.

Students learn the skill and knowledge specifications required by higher-level operators at the more than 100 public and private water-pollution control facilities in CT.

Courses are taught on campus & at municipal wastewater treatment facilities around the state.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth in this field due to a large number of upcoming retirements.


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SOAR Certificate Programs Sustainable Landscape Ecology & Conservation

Technician Certificate This program teaches entry-level skills needed by students to fill

technician jobs in the areas of sustainable landscape design, planning, and conservation.

Employment opportunities for graduates include town planning agencies, inland wetland enforcement offices, planning and zoning offices, specialized landscape installation and maintenance firms, green-roof installers, and private, state and federal environmental protection agencies.


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SOAR Certificate Programs Sustainable Facilities Management Certificate Students develop entry-level skills needed to fill technician jobs in the

areas of sustainable design and planning, and sustainable facilities operations.

Trains new and existing construction workers with new skill sets in sustainable environment areas, as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council and the BPI so that students may find employment as Sustainable Facilities Management technicians.

Provides a foundation in the concepts of LEED certification of buildings and knowledge of its governing body, the U.S. Green Building Council, as well as the Building Performance Institute.


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Curriculum DevelopmentParticipating colleges had related STEM degree programs and expertiseColleges received funding for faculty to develop two to four new

courses for each certificate programColleges utilized local advisory boardsProject Advisory Committee, Connecticut Energy Workforce

Development Consortium and Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology targeted industry groups provide additional feedback and recommendations

Programs are modified as necessary to be responsive to industry needs


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InternshipsFunding from the Tremaine Foundation to the CT Clean Energy

Fund, working in partnership with the CT Department of Environmental Protection & SOAR to provide paid student internships

12 student interns worked with municipalities projects related to climate mitigation and adaptation

Students received invaluable hands-on experience and towns received human capital to work on important issues that required focus and attention


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Internships Examples of student internships: An intern worked on various solar initiatives, including attendance at board

of selectmen meetings, working in town hall and with the director of town facilities.

A student researched the cost of installing charging stations for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles to determine which ones would be most cost-effective.

A student developed mapping capacity to anticipate sea level rise and storm surge impacts.

An intern worked with the town’s Chief Building Inspector to prepare a cost-benefit analysis for various sustainable alternatives for roofing, HVAC and finishes for the proposed renovation of a train station, including a solar-powered electric car-charging installation.


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CT STEM Jobs Partnership Overview

Goal: prepare students and jobseekers for STEM careers in Connecticut

Funded by a $2 million USDOL Community-Based Job Training Grant

Coordinated by the five CT Workforce Development Boards

Target Populations include:

- Disadvantaged Youth (18-24)- Dislocated Workers- Low-Wage Incumbent Workers


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CT STEM JobsSTEM Coaches located at workforce boards• Career advising includes:

– Interest and aptitude assessment–Career “blueprints” –Career exploration

Virtual STEM portal• Free, on-line resources for jobseekers, students,

educators, employers


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CT STEM jobsInteractive online pathway tool including STEM

program curricula & sample career descriptions STEM mentors recruited from industry & education


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Statewide Virtual STEM Portal: ctstemjobs.org

http://www.ctstemjobs.org/


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STEM Career Pathways Tool

STEM Program Curricula12 Connecticut Community Colleges4 State Universities


http://www.commnet.edu/stem/byprogram.asp?sort_type=A


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STEM Career Pathways Tool

Sample Career descriptions: tools/technology, tasks, skills/knowledge, current

job openings, wage information, related occupations

CT Dept. of LaborUS Dept. of Labor


http://www.commnet.edu/stem/bycareer.asp


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Aligning STEM & SOAR

All SOAR programs are STEM

STEM Coordinator also works on the SOAR Initiative

STEM/SOAR Expositions

Investigation in STEM Careers course- includes focus on green and sustainability careers



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STEM/SOAR ExposCollege of Technology: “Lean and Green”

Fuel Cell technology Sustainable Product designGreen Building/ Solar EnergyGeothermal technologySustainable Living Lean Manufacturing

Girls in STEM: G2O (Generating Girls Opportunities):Natural Resource ConservationElectrical and Building Engineering DesignClimate ChangeRoboticsSolar Cars



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Girls in STEMPartnership with CWEALF to provide tech expos included the following workshops:

• Living in Outer Space• It’s So Easy Being Green• El Nino—An Example of the Ocean’s Impact on

Weather• Save Energy, Save the Planet• Ruler of the Solar System• Mysterious Case of the Suffering Lake



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Investigation in STEM Careers—new course!

General course objectives include the following: explore the scope of a STEM career and education provide experiential learning in the scientific discovery

process, quantitative analysis, and engineering design increase scientific literacy explore emerging careers and contemporary issues in

STEM



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Investigation in STEM Careers

GREEN labs include: • Environmental Monitoring and Assessment• Land Cover and Water Quality

GREEN Career profiles include:• Environmental engineer• Water resource technician• Green building entrepreneur• Alternative fuel vehicle technician



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CT Workforce Investment System Partnership

Why Partnership Works

Commitment & roles for partners agreed upon prior to grant proposal submission.

Increased innovation, greater efficiency and more effective results with use of combined resources

Enhanced support from diverse groups statewideSuccessful models developed, refined & replicated in subsequent

projectsGreater opportunities for sustainability



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CT Workforce Investment System Partnerships

Five CBJTGs enhanced existing partnerships between CCCS and the CT WIBs

WIB representatives serve on grant advisory boardsWIBs display marketing materials for CCCS programsITA commitments Pell grant commitmentsCo-Presentations from Advisors at the One-Stop Career

Centers



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CT Workforce Investment System Partnerships

Coordinators and Coachesattend WIB partnership meetingsprovide training to One-Stop staff in the different career

areasreach out to employers to understand current trends in

employment and hiring practiceswork with clients/students using Key Train and Metrix for

assessment and remediation at One-Stops and collegeswork at the One-Stops



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Energy & Green Technology DVD created by CBIA

Overview of energy and green technology How to prepare for energy careers Teacher’s Guide Vignettes of young workers include:

Fuel Cell Technician, Environmental Engineer, Energy Specialist, Applications Engineer

http://www.cbia.com/edf/CareerPathways.htm

http://www.cbia.com/edf/CareerPathways.htm



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Employer Engagement Groups and Surveys

• Employers reviewed curricula and provided feedback to meet industry needs

• Employer groups reviewed energy efficiency, solar and alternative technology programs

• Employers agreed to provide guest speakers, assist with plant tours, job shadows and internships



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Positive outcomes

Workforce Board Individual Training Account funds for noncredit and credit STEM and SOAR programs

STEM Mentors increased accessibility to municipality and industry internships

STEM Career Pathways tool increased advising capacity of counselors to refer students to local STEM and GREEN academic programs and career opportunities

Industry partnerships increased community awareness of local career opportunities



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ChallengesStudent academic readiness for STEM and green education and

careersSustainability—funding for advisors & educational support

servicesLimited resources for ITAs at WIBs after ARRA $Limited space at WIBs and One-Stops to conduct workshops,

testing, etc. Economy—limited jobs post-training and delay in anticipated

green jobs



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Questions?Contact:

Shelly JewellDirector of Grant Initiatives and Special ProjectsConnecticut Community [email protected]

Cheryl Ordway PutnamSTEM Project CoordinatorConnecticut Community [email protected]

Thank you!

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


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