Technology Tuesdays: The Intersection Between Workforce & Technology
It is exciting to think about new technology, particularly in the energy-efficiency space, because it means new opportunities to live and operate better. However, one of the biggest challenges with rolling out new technology is the lack of people who are qualified to install, support, and maintain it.
This gap is exacerbated by the fact that technology continues to grow more rapidly, so the need for a trained workforce to support it only grows more necessary. So, the question is, how are we addressing this issue? The answer: There are many ways this issue is being addressed.
Let’s first look at the technology itself. What technology is in the rapid growth and market impact phase? The answer is technology that supports electrification, energy efficiency, and the reduction of the use of cleaner-burning fuels. Heat pump technology (both space and water heating), induction cookware, equipment that uses hydrogen fuel, and many others. These technologies in concert will help the State achieve its aggressive climate goals for 2045.
Tech Clean California As a result of the statewide initiative for clean energy, Tech Clean California was born. Tech Clean California combines the efforts of several different aspects of industry so that they can work seamlessly to deliver clean energy solutions and develop the workforce to sustain them.
The Tech Clean California offers training for contractors looking to participate in the program. Contractors interested in becoming installation contractors for the program have access to several onboarding classes, which offer education on the program itself. Once enrolled, contractors have access to specific technology classes. For example, Tech Clean California teamed up with the National Comfort Institute (NCI) to offer heat pump HVAC advanced technical courses. Additionally, the partnership between Tech Clean California and AO Smith University delivers advanced technical heat pump water heating courses that contractors can take advantage of.
Utility Offerings In terms of educating the prospective workforce on cutting-edge technology, there isn’t anyone in a better position to do that than our utility partners.
PG&E has the Power Pathway, which helps those who are interested in energy-related careers but do not have the knowledge or training to take the first step into such a career. Power Pathways prepares candidates for potential job opportunities within PG&E and other utilities.
PG&E also offers various courses that can be taken either virtually or in person at the PG&E Energy Center facility. Courses and webinars on a plethora of topics can be found on the PG&E Energy Center website and include topics such as:
Electrification and Heat Pump Technology
Whole Building Systems Management
Food Service
HVAC
Home Performance
Lighting
The Southern California Gas Company seminar offerings include educational courses and tools for those interested in obtaining a HERS Rater certification or learning about:
Southern California Edison offers a variety of offerings both for new learners and for licensed contractors. The Energy Education Center has opportunities for those in the community to take advantage of various energy efficiency courses as well as hands on experience with foodservice technology and the energy efficient technology test center. Class category offerings include:
Energy education
Agriculture, Pumps, & Irrigation
Building Performance
Electrification & Decarbonization
Energy Codes & Standards
Energy Processes & Technology
Foodservice
Home Performance
HVAC/R
Lighting
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
For more advanced professionals looking to sharpen their skills on a specific technology, there is the Contractor Demand Building series. Currently, courses for licensed contractors are being offered for heat pump water heater installation. These single-day, in-person training courses are offered throughout the year in different locations. Therefore, chances are that there will be one near you at some point if you are in Southern California Edison service territory.
among others. San Diego Gas & Electric also has a grant program aimed at providing resources to local non-profit organizations to support their workforce programs in underserved communities. The SDG&E Economic Prosperity Grant Program granted $1 million in 2024 in support of workforce development programs.
There are many more resources available for workforce development. The effort to keep up with the constantly evolving technology landscape requires all of these resources as well as the continued support from our utilities and other industry stakeholders.
