Pathways for Hiring People with Disabilities into Clean Energy Jobs
Explore strategies to enhance disability inclusion in the climate jobs industry, develop impactful clean energy apprenticeship programs, build partnerships, and more.
Video
Description
The Administration’s policy to create well-paying union jobs and economic growth through the deployment of innovative technologies and infrastructure has resulted in a clean energy boom. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, there are millions of clean energy jobs in the United States. Clean energy jobs are growing faster than overall job growth, and people with disabilities are a vital talent pool to fuel this growth.
The Climate Jobs Institute (CJI) at Cornell University’s ILR School is guiding the nation’s transition to a strong, equitable, and resilient clean energy economy by pursuing three aims: tackling the climate crisis; creating high-quality jobs; and building a diverse, inclusive workforce. The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) will host representatives from CJI to discuss their work on equitable access to clean energy jobs, focused on inclusive pre-apprenticeships.
A robust discussion will follow the presentation. The panel, including professionals from the clean energy industry in Texas, will discuss the success of Deaf hiring initiatives in solar energy production.
In this webinar, you will learn more about:
- Including people with disabilities in the climate jobs industry.
- Developing clean energy pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs.
- Implementing strategies to ensure equitable access to career readiness programs and skills training.
- Creating partnerships to increase disability inclusion in clean energy and aligned industries.
The presenters and panelists include:
- Melissa Shetler, Senior Training and Education Associate, Climate Jobs Institute
- Zach Cunningham, Training and Education Associate, Climate Jobs Institute
- Jason Shaw, Master Electrician and Solar PV Professional, ENGIE North America
- Tutu Adeniran, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director, ENGIE North America
- Derik Kendrik, Project Manager, Owner, Axium Solar
Date
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
2–3:30 p.m. ET
People with disabilities are a vital talent pool to fuel the growth of clean energy jobs.
Webinar Materials
Presenter Resources
- Climate Jobs Institute
- DeafTEC: STEM Careers: Solar Photovoltaic Installer/Electrician
- Society of Deaf Electricians and Specialists
EARN Resources
- Resources for Finding Candidates with Disabilities
- Employer Case Study: FALA Technologies: Manufacturing Career Opportunities
Additional Resources
- Urban Institute: Clean Energy Apprenticeships and People with Disabilities (PDF)