The Green Energy industry is often touted as a key source of new jobs, but there have been few efforts to quantify just how many positions are available in that field. The state of Tennessee recently began an effort to gather solid figures.
This week, Tennessee’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development sent out surveys to more than 6,000 employers. Its goal is to find out how many jobs in the state already deal with energy efficiency and renewable energy–and how many will be created in the next year.
In addition, department spokesman Jeff Hentschel says the survey asks what skills workers need to fill those positions. The findings should help in crafting more focused vocational training. Plus, Hentschel says they’ll help out-of-work Tennesseans determine whether they already have the skills needed for the new jobs.
“Unemployment is very high in Tennessee and people are looking for work. In many cases it’s just a matter of obtaining a new certification and redefining or transferring your skills to another industry.”
The survey is funded by federal stimulus dollars, and Hentschel says the grant will also be used in a very practical way, by creating an online resource for job-seekers.
“People will be able to see on our website where the green jobs are. Right now, they’re just generic job listings. Additionally, you’ll be able to post jobs on our website, which-we didn’t have that function before.”
Hentschel says the detailed results of the green jobs survey will be published on the state’s website next spring.
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