Energizing the Workforce: Some Good News in St. Louis
In the year 2020, any good news makes the days seem a little less dark and today I came across a story that brought quite a bit of light into the day. Just a few weeks ago, the City of St. Louis announced the launch of a new “training apprenticeship called the Solar Workforce Development Pilot, a paid program that will provide the suite of skills, services, and training needed for participants to get a job in solar array installation.” While St. Louis has been on a successful climate journey the last few years, this innovative apprenticeship is opening the door for new groups to join in this journey.
This program and the apprenticeships that accompany it are not only “placing graduates in paid jobs or entry-level positions but are also focused on giving underserved St. Louis residents equitable access to careers in the renewable energy sector.” This program includes various partners working with St. Louis to bring these opportunities directly to residents at the local level. Advocating for groups in your own backyard is something that is imperative for underserved residents. For example, this program is IN St. Louis FOR St. Louis. Often, especially in California, we see these programs exist, but they are in larger, urban areas of the state, which then makes it even more difficult for rural, underserved residents to access. Without access, then we are excluding a large part of our population from the opportunity to be a part of the energy industry.
St. Louis’s solar workforce development program is a collaborative effort between the city and a handful of local stakeholders that all serve an important role in the creation and execution of this program. A particular group that works very closely with the city is Employment Connection whose mission is to “assist individuals with limited opportunities to self-sufficiency." One staple to services like this, especially when working with individuals with limited opportunities, is how straightforward the process of applying is. If an individual is looking for more information on the programs offered and what the requirements are, it is clear and concise on the website on what forms need to be filled out according to the offerings. Making the application process accessible on a web platform, breaks down of the many barriers that individuals often face when searching for a “green job.”
Based on this St. Louis example alone, community collaboration goes a long way. To create an equitable workforce, various organizations need to connect to improve the issues that exist in our own communities. Public agency staff, workforce development CBOs, and energy and solar companies are joining to create this Solar Workforce Development Pilot program. By doing this, they are improving many facets of their communities. Enhancing “green” employment opportunities, proactively improving environmental issues, and acknowledging the climate crisis are just a few examples that will create positive change in St. Louis.
Building on programs/ pilots like the one in St. Louis can help pave an innovative way to solve some of the issues that exist in the energy space. Thinking outside of the box and reaching out to organizations or companies that can lend a hand can be the first step to creating real change in your community. You may never know who is looking for your help too, just ask.
Sources:
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/stefan-schaffer/st-louis-centers-equity-innovative-green-job-training https://www.employmentstl.org/
https://budprogram.com/about-bud/