Methodology A key priority of the Sustainable Oregon Workforce initiative is to ensure that clean energy businesses are intimately involved with development of workforce training programs so that those programs produce employees that meet the real, on-the-ground needs of clean energy companies. Therefore, our methods were heavily reliant upon direct contact with clean energy businesses of diverse size across the state. The information in this report was gathered through a combination of regional focus and feedback meetings, electronic surveys, interviews and direct research. Regional Focus and Feedback Meetings During the course of this study, BASE conducted meetings in Portland, Bend, Klamath Falls and The Dalles. These meetings were designed to gather feedback from training providers and employers and to promote communication between the stakeholders. The meetings included representatives from Oregon academic institutions including the Oregon Institute of Technology, Central Oregon Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College, Lane Community College and Gladstone High School. Also in attendance were representatives from the following labor organizations: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Locals 125 & 659; Plumbers and SteamďŹ tters, Local 290; International Assn. of Machinists-Woodworkers; NW Line Apprenticeship Program, Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc. Industry employer representatives included fuel cell, solar installation and manufacturing, and geothermal companies, wind developers and farmers, utilities, woodworkers, window manufacturers and green building product providers. Additionally, regional economic development agencies, chambers of commerce, workforce agency representatives and local and county elected ofďŹ cials participated. Electricians wiring switches and reactors at wind farm substation. Photo credit: John Demoss
Electronic Surveys A survey was developed and delivered to each academic and training provider in the state. We collected surveys from twenty-eight training programs, ranging from multi-day certiďŹ cation courses, to union apprenticeships to a full four year degree. These are described later in this report. In addition, we partnered with the Athena Institute to inject workforce-related questions into a clean tech industry survey being administered in Oregon and Washington. Some of these preliminary results are incorporated into this report.
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