New Report Highlights Opportunities and Barriers in Finger Lakes Clean Energy Workforce

ROCHESTER, N.Y. - Jan. 9, 2025 - PRLog -- ROCHESTER, NY - A newly released report from the Center for Governmental Research (CGR) and MRB group, commissioned by the Climate Solutions Accelerator, reveals that the Clean Energy ecosystem in the Finger Lakes region already supports 96,000 jobs—16% of the regional workforce. Over the next decade, employment in the sector is projected to grow by 10%, presenting significant economic opportunities for the region.

Despite this potential, the report identifies several challenges that must be addressed. Many residents lack awareness of the range of Clean Energy careers and their economic benefits, particularly in the skilled trades. Younger workers, drawn to purpose-driven and climate-conscious careers, represent a key group for workforce growth—but clearer pathways and promotion of these roles are needed.

"The Finger Lakes region needs to do more to promote public understanding of job opportunities and career pathways in the Clean Energy ecosystem," said CGR President Erika Rosenberg, the report's lead author. "Based on our research, we see ways to use the appeal of Clean Energy to increase interest in the trades and to increase collaboration and understanding about the employment opportunities and what job seekers need to take advantage of them."

The report calls for employers, educators, and workforce developers to work together to better define job opportunities, skills, and training requirements. Leveraging regional assets like MCC's Finger Lakes Workforce Development Center (FWD) can help streamline workforce development efforts. Additionally, barriers to diversity and equity must be addressed by strengthening outreach to underrepresented communities, creating inclusive hiring practices, and offering clear advancement pathways. Finally, addressing skepticism about Clean Energy timelines and incentives will be critical to fostering broader regional participation.

"The clean energy field is rapidly evolving, yet the economic opportunities it offers for our region remain underrecognized," said Abigail McHugh-Griffa, Executive Director of the Climate Solutions Accelerator. "We commissioned this assessment to create a shared understanding of the breadth of clean energy jobs, the skills required for employment, and the pathways available for clean energy careers. We are eager to collaborate with our community partners to build a robust clean energy workforce ecosystem in the Finger Lakes region."

The findings provide a strategic framework and specific suggestions for collaboration among workforce developers, educators, industry leaders, and community organizations to unlock Clean Energy's potential and prepare the workforce for future opportunities.

The full report is available here (https://bit.ly/FLCleanJobs).

Media Inquiries:
Kristen Van Hooreweghe, Senior Director of Programs, Climate Solutions Accelerator
kristen@climategfl.org
646-522-0583

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About CGR
The Center for Governmental Research (CGR) is a nonprofit research and consulting organization with over a century of experience addressing workforce, economic, and policy challenges.