Could Immigrants Help Fill Energy Jobs?
As we all strive towards a more sustainable and resilient future, an intriguing solution emerges at the intersection of workforce development and immigration.
The U.S needs roughly 650,000 solar workers alone, according to a recent article from EcoWatch. The demand for blue collar workers has been a largely discussed issue for a while, but particular challenges remain for the energy industry. With recent government spending and investment in infrastructure (IIJA , CHIPS , and IRA ) the workforce development requirement will continue to far exceed our supply of skilled tradesman and tradeswomen in the U.S if change does not happen quickly. For years our society has emphasized a focus on traditional college education and paths to office jobs. While these positions certainly have their benefits, trades and specialty jobs in the energy sector will need to be (and some would say are) very competitive and alluring to young adults as they enter the workforce. So, how do we address the gap in workforce development in the energy sector?
The U.S.- Mexico border has seen record high illegal immigration, according to recent CBP data . The immigration narrative often revolves around illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and other criminals, but there are also a significant number of immigrants who are not criminals and possess skills in trades necessary for the energy sector. While there is much to be said regarding immigration reform, this article is solely focused on solving the energy industry workforce development problem in the U.S with trainable and qualified immigrants and creating awareness around both topics to spur policy reform and investment.
By integrating skilled immigrants into the energy workforce, we not only address the workforce gap but also inject fresh perspectives and innovative solutions into the sector. Many immigrants may start their own businesses , providing more jobs and talent to industry attracting other qualified immigrants. However, simply recognizing the potential of skilled immigrants is not enough. Regulations must evolve to provide these individuals with a legal path to citizenship and a streamlined journey through approved trade schools. This regulatory adaptation is crucial for ensuring that immigrants can contribute to the energy sector quickly and efficiently, subsequently leading to a healthier income and improved quality of life.
A comprehensive immigration reform should focus on establishing clear pathways for skilled tradespeople, acknowledging their potential to fill the existing workforce gaps. This reform should be coupled with investments in training and education, ensuring that immigrants are well-equipped to meet the demands of the evolving energy sector. Progress has been made with DOE grants and other investments, but more needs to be done and quickly.
As we stand on the cusp of an immigration and energy workforce issue in America, might we consider that one problem could help solve the other? Is it possible to get creative and find ways to identify skilled workers crossing the border who can contribute to society and the U.S economy, all while bettering their lives? By identifying the urgent needs of the energy industry we can ensure that these individuals find their place in energy, contributing to our critical industry and a more sustainable and resilient future.
Director, Institute for Immigration Research at George Mason University
1 年The IIR GMU released this related report in 2021: https://d101vc9winf8ln.cloudfront.net/documents/40482/original/Green_Jobs_draft_FINAL_080621.pdf?1628615506
Retired, Director of the Division of Registered Apprenticeship, Department of Labor and Industry Becoming a ZenVeg nano-farmer
1 年Wouldn't we rather have refugees and immigrants contribute to Social Security and be an asset to this country that they wish to join? As a Workforce practitioner I hear the struggles of Employers who struggle with vacancies, because guess what....plenty of Americans are lacking in meaningful skill sets. They are not contributing to the economic engine.
Delivered $50M+ in software & technology services | A one-stop-shop consultant for vision, execution, management, delivery, and raving clients | Former Cleared DoD Professional
1 年The concept always sounds good, industry agnostic: but how do we vet them? How can they legally access & contribute to the U.S. system? How do we show we expect cultural assimilation? But a couple items that you mention sound good, but does anyone offer any strategic or practical specifics? "There are also a significant number of immigrants who are not criminals and possess skills in trades necessary for the energy sector." Quantify that. How do we determine that they aren't bringing a criminal mindset and association from their past? How would you quantify someone as having trade skills in an industry barely in its infancy where they originate from? If you mean, they'll work hard, outdoors, and it's basic mechanical skills, then maybe. We're not even talking about a trace amount of illegals coming from Europe, Asia, or South America that are surgeons, electrical engineers, etc. "Regulations must evolve to provide these individuals with a legal path to citizenship and a streamlined journey through approved trade schools." We have this - a legal path is laid out. Ask someone whose an immigrant who came in legally and they will tell you. Can it be improved, 100%. But it is there and has been there for decades.
Energy consultant, lawyer and writer dedicated to helping speed the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy
1 年Immigrants are here. They want to work, and they need to work. The fact that they come from another country does not make them less deserving or less capable of learning our trades. Our country becomes poorer socially, economically and morally when we shut willing immigrant workers out of good jobs.
Strategic Communication & Public Relations
1 年100%! Many areas of the US economy would benefit from tapping on the talents and professional experience of immigrants. Creating a path for licenses and certifications would be a great place to start. Very qualified people have to jump unnecessary hurdles because their previous education/qualifications are not accepted as they try to join the US labor market.