EG Webinar Unlocking Careers in Clean Energy

In this webinar, Brent Kossick, the Director of Climate Workforce at Service Year Alliance, discusses the nuances of service year opportunities, apprenticeships, and the promising American Climate Corps program. Here's what you need to know if you're considering a career pivot or entry into the green sector.

A "service year" is a paid opportunity for young people to gain marketable skills while addressing community needs. Programs like AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps are paving the way, but independent initiatives, often state-funded or run by faith-based organizations, are equally influential. The overarching goal is to leverage these experiences to combat climate change and ease many young adults' transition into green sector jobs.

At Service Year Alliance, two main themes dominate their work: "empower" and "innovate." With 65,000 positions currently maintained, they aim to sustain and grow service opportunities by bringing together stakeholders to tackle common challenges in climate work. Their efforts don't stop post-service; they actively support alumni by connecting them with job opportunities and resources to amplify their impact in the clean energy sector.

Many roles involve energy efficiency measures like weatherizing homes and improving building insulation. The focus is on energy production that doesn't emit greenhouse gases or release pollutants. Unlike traditional education paths, apprenticeships provide hands-on job training under the guidance of a journeyman supervisor, combined with supplemental education, which can be virtual, classroom-based, or through community colleges. These programs, often developed in partnership with industry stakeholders, align closely with the hiring needs of the clean energy sector.

For those intrigued by the prospect of a career in clean energy, the paths are as diverse as they are rewarding. Whether through service years, apprenticeships, or direct entry into burgeoning sectors, the opportunities for impactful work in sustainable industries are vast and growing.