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The energy efficiency workforce has grown to approximately 75,000 strong in Massachusetts. Our continued success requires not only meeting ambitious building efficiency, energy savings and decarbonization goals. We must also develop a more representative energy efficiency workforce and supply chains that serve all customers equitably and reflect the diversity of the communities that comprise the Commonwealth.
Toward that end, the Sponsors of Mass Save have increased engagement with minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). For example, the Sponsors hosted Supplier Diversity Summits to encourage minority suppliers’ participation in Mass Save programs. MWBE members had the opportunity to speak with current lead vendors, sign up for the SAP Business Network’s Ariba app to receive information about RFPs and network with staff from the Sponsors and other MWBEs. A guide was also developed and distributed to diverse suppliers to serve as a resource for how to work with the Sponsors. The document provides helpful links, an opportunity overview, a summary of the Mass Save offerings and services, contact information and more.
Another 2023 success story was our Clean Energy Pathways program, which provides three-month paid internships to new entrants who are interested in the clean energy workforce, especially young adults of diverse backgrounds. This program partners with MassHire Workforce Boards and Career Centers, technical schools and post-secondary institutions along with several diverse community-based organizations that have rich local networks. In 2023, the 25 interns placed in the program gained real-world experience with HVAC, weatherization and building management systems. Of the 22 interns who completed the program, 14 have already achieved its ultimate goal: full-time job offers. These efforts also include providing energy efficiency career education in high schools and upskilling contractors and workers. The program is just one example of the Sponsors’ ongoing efforts to sustain a broad, fully represented energy efficiency workforce.
The Mass Save Workforce Partnership Grant, designed to increase the sustainability of the energy efficiency workforce by prioritizing funding within Environmental Justice Communities to upskill contractors and transition new workers, had great success in 2023. Overall, 17 organizations applied across 12 Environmental Justice Communities. Four awardees received a total of $156,528 in grant funding to apply toward contractor training and transitioning new workers into the energy efficiency workforce.
Significant updates were made to MassSave.com to enhance the resources, tools and information available to trade partners, including an events and training calendar as well as a career board. In conjunction with the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Partnership, the Sponsors offered nine training classes in 2023. Vendor attendance was generally strong.
In addition, the Sponsors offered a discounted rate on Certified Energy Manager and Certified Energy Auditor training to all small-business turnkey program vendors.
Moreover, to achieve the Commonwealth’s strategically diversified workforce development and net zero greenhouse gas objectives, we continue to work collaboratively with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center and engage with state agencies, community-based organizations and educational institutions to achieve these ambitious clean energy goals.
