A worker installs solar panels at a construction site in Lone Tree, Colorado. (March 31, 2009) |
DENVER—
A proposal to set aside state money for grants to be used by New Energy companies to cover the cost of vocational training is moving forward at the state Capitol."This is an excellent area to go into, because this is the wave of the future," said Rep. Edward Vigil, D-Costilla County, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 171, which unanimously passed the House Energy Committee Tuesday.
"We have this 21st century technology. We need to make sure that Coloradans have a 21st century education to match."
With more and more Coloradans out of work, many workers are indeed looking towards the growing field of new energy jobs.
Boulder-based Namaste Solar, which does residential and small commercial solar panel installation, has seen its workforce grow from three people to a staff of 55 in just three years and is looking to continue to grow.
"To date, it's been very similar to the electrical and plumbing trades, where you sort of learn on the job," said Namaste C.O.O. Jason Sharpe.
"Right now we're spending a lot of time and energy training people while we're also trying to run a business. It would help us, and it would help consumers because our costs would be less, if we had a more educated workforce."
With the spread of industry-focused workforce training, Sharpe, and other new energy entrepreneurs may get their wish.
"Businesses go to community colleges and say this is what we're looking for. We need people trained in this specific area, and we need them fast," said Rep. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, another co-sponsor of the bill. "The community colleges are overflowing right now with the number of people who are trying to get in, get skilled and get out to work."
Also sponsored by Sen. Gail Schwartz, D-Snowmass Village, SB 171 would allocate state money for new energy companies to spend on workforce training at area colleges.
"Any resume that comes across our desk that has that one-year training, even basic training, sometimes even a week long training program, that resume will stand out to us," Sharpe said. "So even a week-long commitment can really make a difference in trying to enter the workforce."
