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Environmental commission promoting green jobs with web directory

Searching for training and educational opportunities can be difficult and time-consuming, so the CEC’s new web directory presents a comprehensive list of courses offered in Canada, Mexico and the United States for training in solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal, bioenergy, and hydrogen and fuel cell industries.

A 2010 report, commissioned by the CEC, analyzed the state of renewable energy training in North America, identified opportunities for improvement and made recommendations from a North American perspective. The report can be found here.

The report found that a tri-national collaborative system could help build and share best practices between Canada, Mexico and the United States. As a result, the CEC has launched a web-based information system to promote renewable energy training courses—see www.cec.org/energycourses.

“With investments in renewable energy and clean technology surging, it is important that we ramp-up training for the green jobs that will support a more sustainable economy in North America,” said Evan Lloyd, CEC Executive Director.

The CEC report shows that of 235 courses identified, 83% are located in the United States, 14% in Canada and only 3% in Mexico. Regional challenges identified include green markets not yet sufficiently established for academic institutions to offer resources as well as a lack of qualified trainers.

Institutions providing green training identified in this report are predominantly colleges and universities (65%), followed by private companies (20%), and then associations related to renewable energy or trade unions (close to 10%).

For further information, go to www.cec.org.