Powering Rural Futures
Clean energy is creating new jobs in rural America, generating opportunities for people who install solar panels, build wind turbines, weatherize homes and more. This five-part series from the Rural News Network explores how industry, state governments and education systems are training this growing workforce. Read the stories below.
From EVs to HVAC, clean energy means jobs in Central Illinois
Decatur has been losing factory jobs for years. A clean energy workforce hub promises renewal — and provides training for students from disenfranchised…
Renewable energy industry powers new job growth in SD
With new wind farms leading the way, South Dakota and its strong technical college system have put the state on the forefront of training needed energy workers.
Bart Pfankuch
Brighter future? Solar apprenticeships add renewable energy skills to local jobs
A regional partnership aims to train young people as they go, developing workforce skills in anticipation of increasing demand for renewable energy-focused jobs in the heart of coal country.
Lisa Rowan, Matt Busse
Sonoma-Mendocino geothermal energy project could accelerate demand for clean energy workers • The Mendocino Voice | Mendocino County, CA
But are there enough workers? That’s when Mendocino College steps in.
Aly Brown, Bay City News
Maine’s heat pump boom has been promising for rural workforce development. Can it last? — The Maine Monitor
Maine has had success in adopting heat pumps across the state, and jobs have grown quickly — particularly in rural areas. But as the state approaches big deadlines for heat pump installation and bolstering its clean energy workforce, uncertainties lie ahead.
