For several state senators, a potential workforce shortage could stall the clean-energy transition. That’s why they fired off a letter on Thursday to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, calling for the quasi-public agency to take a comprehensive look at the state’s clean-energy workforce training options, and to offer plans not only to train people who already live here, but also attract workers from other states or countries to fill any gaps.
“I see a real threat here,” said state Senator Michael Barrett, co-chairman of the Legislature’s telecom and energy committee. “For Massachusetts, the new generation of essential workers will be the young person who wants to do hands-on work in clean energy, not in the front office but on the front lines. Massachusetts has not had a focus on being a welcoming place for young blue-collar workers. … We have shortages as far as the eye can see and no plan to do much about it.”
The letter was initiated by Barrett’s office. He was joined by three other Senate committee chairs who signed the letter and provided input: Cynthia Stone Creem (climate change), Eric Lesser (economic development), and Patricia Jehlen (labor and workforce development).