The Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, developed by the Governor’s Energy Office, is the first recruiting tool designed to connect skilled jobseekers with a growing number of Maine-based clean energy employers and training programs
May 22, 2024
Augusta, MAINE – The Maine Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) today launched the Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, a new online directory that connects jobseekers to Maine-based clean energy employers and training opportunities.
The Network was developed and launched by GEO in coordination with the Maine Departments of Labor and Economic and Community Development through its Clean Energy Partnership program, an initiative of the Governor’s Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan. The Partnership was established to work with other state agencies, employers, schools and colleges, workforce training organizations, and industry to expand job opportunities in Maine’s clean energy sector.
Jobseekers and Maine-based employers hiring for clean energy jobs are invited to join the Network, post jobs, explore open positions, and learn about clean energy training programs in Maine. The Network is free to join and will be promoted through a marketing campaign that will kick off later this year.
On May 8, the Governor announced that the number of clean energy jobs in Maine has surpassed 15,000, increasing faster in Maine than any other New England state, and the clean energy sector grew to contribute $2.31 billion to Maine’s economy in 2022, according to an independent report released by GEO.
According to the report, Maine’s clean energy sector grew more than three times faster than the state’s overall economy between 2016 and 2022 and now employs more than 15,020 people, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels and puts Maine on a pathway to reach Governor Janet Mills’ goal of 30,000 clean energy workers in Maine by 2030.
“Clean energy can stabilize energy costs, protect our environment and strengthen our economy. Today I am pleased we are launching the Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, the first recruiting tool and training directory designed to connect Maine-based clean energy employers to interested jobseekers,” said Dan Burgess, Director of the Governor’s Energy Office. “The Network will strengthen Maine’s fast-growing clean energy economy by making good jobs in the sector easy to find and helping Maine-based businesses recruit qualified applicants to meet the growing demand for clean energy workers.”
“The expanding clean energy sector holds great opportunities for everyone in our communities, including people with disabilities, women, New Mainers, veterans, and youth,” said Laura Fortman, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Labor. “For those who may not have a background in energy but are interested in learning industry skills, the Network will provide clear training pathways to these careers, including pre-apprenticeship and paid registered apprenticeships.”
“We are seeing a dramatic increase both in the number of clean energy jobs and the number of people trained for these roles,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “This tool is designed to help companies and skilled workers to easily find each other.”
“The Network is a game-changer for clean energy businesses who are looking to grow and scale operations in Maine,” said Eliza Donoghue, Executive Director of the Maine Renewable Energy Association. “Having this website as a resource for employers and jobseekers will not only allow renewable energy businesses to thrive in Maine but will also help raise awareness of the fulfilling and exciting career opportunities Maine’s growing clean energy sector has to offer.”
"We at Evergreen Home Performance are excited about Maine’s new clean energy job website, especially its built-in translation feature,” said Richard Burbank, President of Evergreen Home Performance and Clean Energy Partnership Advisory Group Member. “This will help New Mainer immigrant workers access resources in their native language. By connecting skilled workers and newcomers with opportunities in the clean energy sector, we can drive Maine towards a sustainable future. We look forward to posting our job openings and welcoming new talent to our team as we continue to tackle the climate crisis and improve home performance across Maine."
“Maine businesses need a continuous supply of skilled clean energy workers at all levels to maintain Maine’s incredible momentum in the clean energy sector. We’re proud that Maine’s community colleges are a part of that,” said David Daigler, president of the Maine Community College System. “We’re committed to providing a wide range of high-quality, affordable, and relevant clean energy training programs, and this new website is a great way to connect jobseekers with the training that works for them. Everything’s available to motivated jobseekers: free short-term programs, stackable credentials, and two-year degree programs that lead to great high-wage and meaningful work.”
Through the Clean Energy Partnership, GEO supports workforce training programs that will ensure Maine people have the skills and resources to build careers in the clean energy field. In 2022, GEO awarded $2.9 million in grants to nine entities for clean energy workforce development programs to attract new workers, provide career training and upskilling, increase diversity and representation, and facilitate entry into the clean energy job market. In December 2023, the office awarded another $1.3 million in grants to three entities to support clean energy innovation through new business accelerator and incubator programs to be launched in Portland, Brunswick, and Waterville.
Using $2 million in Federal funds through congressionally directed spending secured by U.S. Senator Angus King and Representative Chellie Pingree, GEO is now seeking applications for clean energy and energy efficiency workforce development and training programs through a Request for Applications (RFA). The funds are intended to support programs such as clean energy job training, job placement services, stipends, equipment, curriculum, or other related services for Maine residents 16 years and older.
The full RFA can be accessed here (search for RFA # 202402047). The deadline to apply is May 24, 2024. More information is available on the GEO website.
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