Offshore WINDPOWER Conference & Exhibition 2018

Workforce And Training Needs Of The Offshore Wind Industry In The Northeastern U.S. (Room Capitol B)

17 Oct 18
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Tracks: Economic Development

Speaker(s): Elise Korejwa, Project Manager of the Offshore Wind Economics Project, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Building off of a body of research conducted by the Public Policy Center, including a workforce assessment for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and an economic impact analysis that was part of Vineyard Wind’s winning 800 MW bid, I will discuss what workforce development efforts are required to support and reap the benefits of the emerging OSW industry. The analysis is designed to provide workforce and economic development professionals, labor unions, state officials, and new members of the supply chain with actionable recommendations they can use to maximize labor participation in the OSW industry. New material to be covered includes the potential workforce needs of manufacturers as the U.S. pipeline grows and new manufacturing facilities open. I will also discuss what efforts are currently underway in Massachusetts and other Northeastern states to close workforce gaps.