singingtothewheat's Page
Profile Information
- Are you interested in becoming an organizer in your area?
- Maybe--But Not Sure What to Organize
- Tell us about your experience with alternative energy:
- Very little actually. I love the idea of being off the grid, I look at information about this alot online but the fact of the matter is, I'm so busy just trying to keep up with the bills I can't afford to get anything like "off grid"
- What excites you about this campaign?
- That we might be able to, as a nation, be independent from oil and all it's woes
- What do you want to do to help?
- pass the word,
help with organizing
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Maury Dobbie
mdobbie@ncedc.com.
Colorado can't be a great state without working collaboratively toward a sustainable economy. This will require investment in our work force and economic infrastructure.
Can the push for a greener energy sector be good for the state and Northern Colorado?
Many people think so, and they are calling job creation an important side effect of the move toward renewable power and increased energy efficiency.
In the United States, we lost 24 percent of our manufacturing jobs between 2000 and 2008, or almost 3.5 million. It also took a huge toll on Northern Colorado in those years, shedding roughly 3,397 jobs.
As times are changing, we have to change. NCEDC is working hard with our partners to bring back those higher-paying manufacturing jobs in the clean-energy sector. However, while doing so, we have a dilemma. If we don't have the skilled labor force, those companies cannot be successful.
Let's focus for a moment on the wind industry. The wind-power industry estimates it employs some 40,000 people in the U.S., with 20,000 of those jobs created in 2007 or growing 45 percent.
Wind farms are increasing, but the labor supply is not.
In 2007, wind farms installed almost 3,200 turbines, providing 5,200 megawatts, or enough electricity to power 1.5 million homes for a year. Officials see a large obstacle coming in the form of its own work force.
A highly specialized group of technicians that combines working knowledge of mechanics, hydraulics, computers and meteorology with the willingness to climb 200 feet in the air in all kinds of weather is badly needed.
And that creates an opportunity.
The American Wind Energy Association estimates the industry employed more than 20,000 last year. This doesn't include jobs making turbines and other equipment. They say future need is harder to quantify, given the uncertainties of the industry's growth. They project the need for at least 800 technicians to serve the turbines expected to be installed in 2008 alone.
So what is proactively being done in this region? Front Range Community College is creating technician certifications and two-year degrees that will offer opportunities to those who would find the $15- to $25-hour jobs a step up in their career paths.
These careers might be the first time a family has health benefits. In addition, the Northern Colorado Workforce Initiative spurred by NCEDC is gaining momentum.
This collaborative effort between primary employers, the educational system (K-12 and higher education) and organizations including the Larimer County Workforce Center, Chambers of Commerce, United Way and government are coming together in a common-sense, practical way to create training.
There are many sectors of our work force that would welcome new opportunities to help families thrive financially.
We have data showing a large underemployed population exists. Many identified have chosen to stay here for various reasons but live on less.
We are hearing of companies shutting their doors, thus creating a chilling effect on our economy.
For the past year, you've been hearing about the rising poverty statistics in the region - caused by these and many factors.
There is no wringing of hands in Larimer County. We are looking for and working on sustainable solutions for re-skilling opportunities for our people. Progress in clean energy is being made.