AmeriCorps program strives to expand and diversify energy workforce: Yale Climate Connections

TRANSCRIPT:

There’s a growing need for workers trained in energy efficiency and weatherization, which can reduce the climate-warming pollution produced by buildings.

And an AmeriCorps program based in North Minneapolis is helping train that workforce.

Roegge: “We’re not working with people that are coming in with a large degree of experience in this. These are people that are coming in with an interest … frequently with an interest in climate and sometimes with an interest more in building systems and trades.”

Matt Roegge is with the Minnesota Energy Climate Corps – a paid, 11-month program run by the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa.

He says trainees in the Energy Climate Corps learn about energy efficiency and weatherization and conduct energy audits at state park facilities, recreation centers, and other public buildings.

Roegge: “With an eye more towards building envelope, so the insulation, the sealing, making sure attics are airtight, things like that.”

The program especially recruits trainees from groups that are underrepresented in efficiency jobs.

Roegge: “We’re based out of North Minneapolis, which is a predominantly Black community in Minnesota here.”

And he says so far, about half the trainees are from the area.

So the program is helping build a more diverse energy efficiency workforce.

Reporting credit: Sarah Kennedy / ChavoBart Digital Media