Energizing the Workforce: Putting Energy in Education

As the new year commences, SJVCEO’s dedication to fighting for equitable workforce initiatives will push through. 2020 presented a new set of challenges for all and while we conquered through them (with some successes and some failures), our eyes opened even wider to the inequities in communities throughout California that were suffering at disproportionate levels. The year ahead presents a new chapter for us to author that will not only address these challenges head on but create a space for stakeholders to engage and converse about these challenges.

The trajectory of our future as a state (to narrow the scope) is changing! Innovative ways to execute projects, new standards and regulations, and complex energy related tools to improve the health and financial state of communities are just some of the few changes. With these changes and the growth that accompanies them, there comes a need for an increased number of employees, particularly ones that are versed in some of the items mentioned above. The complex ideas and new innovations are not going to operate solely by a handful of people. If we want to implement and execute these ideas, we need a labor force that can do so. So where do we find these individuals? If we continue utilizing our current mechanisms for hiring, we are not going to solve the larger issues that we have discussed, which is the lack of diversity and equity in our workforce demographics. With these rapid changes, we need to change perspectives by reaching populations at various education levels to prepare them for the industry that is on the rise.

Now, I am speaking from personal experience in sharing that the Energy Industry was not something I was well versed in while on my educational journey. From high school to college and even to after graduation, the Energy Industry was not an avenue I foresaw myself taking. Of course there are a handful of factors that contribute to this, but I want to solely discuss one for this purpose. I did not have access to information that this path was an option for me, especially in high school. If we want to prepare our upcoming workforce to execute and build upon ideas that are currently being created, we need to start their path now. Educating students on energy specific curriculum or career paths they can take is a massive step to bridging the gap that is currently in existence. This sounds so simple and clear (as most things do on the surface) but we need to be mindful and take equitable steps forward to make sure we are not rushing to the finish line for the sake of “tackling this barrier.”

As many of you I am sure know, the SJVCEO thrives on community relationships and partnerships to bring in the success that our organization experiences. We could not exist without them. The same reigns true for this situation. Energy organizations and companies need to work collaboratively with schools and educational institutions to introduce these career paths to students who may not necessarily have access to training programs or other offerings to enhance success. Often, apprenticeships or program opportunities exist in larger metropolitan areas where many of these companies are headquartered. RAND Corporation stated it best “Students rarely attend education or training programs outside the areas where they live, and community colleges do not recruit students from regions outside their service areas. Geography can also pose a barrier to employment and other training opportunities...” Geography is just one of the many barriers that is often forgotten that exists in terms of educating potential groups looking to enter the Energy Industry.

One additional “long term” measure that is mentioned in the article quoted above is to “Improve Readiness of Talent Entering Postsecondary Education and Training Programs.” What does this mean? Essentially, this means prioritizing and focusing on the improvement of basic skills in grades K-12- “Work more closely with higher-education and training providers to emphasize to K-12 students the importance of basic mathematics and reading skills in finding energy-sector job.” The article goes on to mention that this could be difficult because of the level of collaboration it entails, however starting small within the walls of a junior high classroom can be the first step to improving and enhancing the basic skills that are needed to create and strengthen core skills of potential employees.

What does all this mean? Education, opportunity, and access matter. They are integral for the next 10+ years of success in our industry and are key components for our future.