In southwestern PA, where economic growth has significantly depended on extractive industry, the impending growth of clean energy jobs presents a vital and historic opportunity to build an inclusive economy that meets multiple sustainability goals.
According to sources like the 2022 U.S. Energy & Employment Jobs Report, 2021 Pennsylvania Clean Energy Employment Report, and 2021 Pennsylvania Clean Energy Industry Workforce Development Needs Assessment & Gap Analysis, clean energy industries are poised for massive expansion and job creation. Yet people identifying as Black or African American represent less than 10% of Pennsylvania’s clean energy workforce according to the PA Department of Environmental Protection.
Key findings from the 2022 E2 Clean Jobs Pennsylvania report confirm that more than half of the clean energy jobs in Pennsylvania are in traditional industries like construction, manufacturing, and repair services; however, 87% of employers are struggling to meet the need for a trained workforce. Additionally, almost half of clean energy jobs are outside of the two major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, emphasizing the compelling need for broad connections across the region.
Sustainable Pittsburgh is partnering with nonprofits, workforce development agencies, employers, government officials, prospective employees and others to build a connected, regional ecosystem that promotes equitable workforce development. This work helps to position the region to meet the demands for clean energy workers with a diverse and appropriately trained workforce, and put all residents on the path to prosperity.