TRAINING GREEN COLLAR WORKERS IN OHIO

As Ohio prepares to play its pivotal role in deciding the next Democratic Presidential nominee, its governor and business leaders remain busy training the workforce to build and operate the energy infrastructure the next presidency must nurture and grow.

The Cleveland Indians installed solar panels at their ballpark last summer. Somebody had to do the installation and somebody has to do the maintenance and NAFTA can't touch those jobs. (click to enlarge)

Ohio Pioneers Development of Green Collar Workers for Advanced Energy Jobs; Colleges and universities offer programs and training to meet growing demand
February 27, 2008 (PR Newswire via Yahoo Finance)

WHO
The Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC); Third Frontier Project; American Solar Energy Society (ASES); Hocking College Energy Institute; Ohio Governor Ted Strickland

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WHAT
OBDC is working with a variety of organizations and institutions in the state, readying New Energy’s green collar workforce to serve the needs of the energy infrastructure of the 21st century.

WHEN
- An ASES study predicts that 174,000 Ohioans could have jobs in New Energy by 2030.
- Governor Strickland introduced “Energy, Jobs and Progress” in 2007.

Solar energy industry manufacturers and businesses in Ohio. There is nothing special about Ohio's sun. Other states can do as well. All it takes is the commitment. (click to enlarge)

WHERE
- Ohio universities and colleges are setting up new classes, degree programs, degrees and training for the New Energy industries.
- Hocking College is in Nelsonville, Ohio.

WHY
- The Hocking College Energy Institute, funded by a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, will develop a new training facility with learning labs specific to New Energy programs.
- Ohio’s New Energy programs offer opportunities for New Energy companies. An educated work force will be another incentive to bring such companies into Ohio’s economy.
- Governor Strickland's Energy, Jobs and Progress calls for an Advanced Energy Portfolio Standard as well as for modernizing Ohio energy infrastructure and developing New Energy jobs while managing consumer power prices.
- Strickland’s program also calls for development of 1st and 2nd generation ethanols and biodiesel fuels.
- Ohio's Third Frontier Project is a 10-year, $1.6 billion program to coordinate between companies and academia. It is Ohio's biggest -ever commitment to expand high-tech research and innovation and build businesses and high-paying jobs.

Wind energy industry manufacturers and businesses in Ohio. Other states can do as well. (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Jerry Hutton, dean of energy and transportation technologies, Hocking College: "This state-of-the-art facility is truly a place where students will receive hands on training in advanced energy…Training skilled workers is critical to attracting renewable energy companies to Ohio and recharging the state's manufacturing base."
- Ed Burghard, executive director, OBDC: "Ohio is at the heart of next-generation, advanced energy industry success…In addition to the development of a highly skilled workforce to meet the ever-growing green collar industry demands, Ohio-based companies benefit from the state's continued effort to focus on creating a profit-friendly business environment through revamped tax and tort laws…"