Westchester is offering expanding career opportunities in clean energy. A recent Clean Energy Job and Resource Fair featured more than 25 organizations focused on providing job and training opportunities in solar energy, heat pumps, and geothermal solutions. The job fair, hosted by the Westchester County Office of Economic Development, Sustainable Westchester, and New Yorkers for Clean Power, took place on November 19 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
“This event [was] an opportunity for all Westchester residents who have an interest in starting a career with a clean energy company to learn more about training and employment opportunities,” says Bridget Gibbons, the director of economic development for Westchester County.
According to a 2023 report by the New York Association of Training and Employment Professionals, the state had a record high of more than 165,000 clean energy jobs at the end of 2021.
“Westchester County is fortunate to have training programs and employers who are willing to train their staff, which presents a tremendous opportunity for those looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, or transfer skills from another field,” says Gibbons.
In addition to a panel discussion at the event, guest speaker Andre Peart discussed employment opportunities for formally incarcerated individuals. Peart is the CEO of Untapped Solutions, which connects nonprofits, employers, and job seekers.
A career in clean energy might be right for you if:
- A willingness to learn and develop new skills interests you
- You have strong organizational and time management skills
- You seek a career with long-term growth prospects and stability
- You want to contribute to improving the environment
- Technical knowledge in energy systems interests you
Industry Outlook
Westchester County partnered with the nonprofit Sustainable Westchester in 2023 to establish a Clean Energy Careers Accelerator Program. The program helps create well-paying jobs in the green industry, says Yasmin Najjar, Sustainable Westchester’s program manager for environmental justice and workforce development.
“A lot of my work has been directed towards workforce development,” says Najjar. “The problem is that individuals from disadvantaged communities aren’t equipped with the talent and skills they need to enter the industry. So the goal is to increase training and hiring opportunities in Westchester County within the coming two years.”
Sustainable Westchester was at the clean energy fair to connect with individuals about environmental justice goals in the area. The organization creates programs that bring clean energy solutions and economic opportunities to disadvantaged communities.
“For those interested in a clean energy career, there are many pathways to take,” says Najjar. “Some work in policy and advocacy areas, others take on a more technical role, and then there are communication, administrative, and management roles.”
Currently, Sustainable Westchester is working on a power program that provides affordable renewable energy options at a low fixed cost. The organization also started a community solar option that allows residents to reduce their energy costs by joining local solar projects without installing solar panels on their property.
Najjar says organizations need to work together to achieve collective change toward environmental justice. Sustainable Westchester partners with several organizations, such as Soulful Synergy and Healthy Home Academy, to encourage workforce development and bridge the gap between workers and industry demands.
Some other organizations attending the fair included Brightcore Energy, Family Services of Westchester, Quest Solar, Untapped Solutions, and Mothers Out Front. In Westchester, Mothers Out Front is focused on transitioning off fossil fuels and reducing waste. The organization has been successful in its goals of zero-emission electric buses, heat pumps, and composting.
“There are so many different ways that our volunteers participate. Whether they have time to help plan campaigns or just want to help out on specific tasks, there’s a place for everyone to make an impact,” says Sarah Smiley, the distributed senior organizer of Mothers Out Front. “We know that when our members come together, they can influence decision-makers and create change.”
Now more than ever, jobs in clean energy are in high demand across Westchester and beyond. For those interested in entering this career field, Najjar says that it requires patience and collective effort. Although it can be difficult, working toward environmental justice is also deeply rewarding for many people.
“It’s a field that I and many others can feel proud to work in because we know we’re building a better future for everybody,” says Najjar. “We are helping the environment and making a real difference in people’s lives.”
Related: Sustainability Is a Serious Deal for These Westchester Businesses
