Xodus and BGS partner for workforce diversity programme
By:
Tom Russell
24/08/2021
Xodus
Xodus has announced that
it is joining forces with voluntary coalition Browning the Green Space
(BGS) to create a workforce programme aimed at increasing the participation
of underrepresented populations in the offshore wind industry across Massachusetts,
USA.
The programme, which has received $140,000 of funding from the Massachusetts
Clean Energy Centre, includes a targeted community and education engagement
campaign directed at high schools and community colleges in disadvantaged
communities.
Target groups include people of colour, indigenous people, women, students
in vocational technical education programmes, and unemployed and low-income
individuals.
The programme aims to provide insight into career opportunities that the
US offshore wind industry can offer, through two streams, tailored to the
different age groups and levels of involvement. High schools and community
colleges in disadvantaged areas will be targeted via a community and education
engagement campaign, delivering an overview of the offshore wind industry.
Further to that, two distinct paid work experience routes of varying timescales
will provide pathways to industry employment – internships lasting for
10 weeks and pre-apprenticeships lasting for six months.
Hillary Bright, US vice president for renewables at Xodus, said: “This
program can help show that this new sector is fairer for everyone across
the country. We have a once-in-a-generation chance to get this right and
show the offshore wind sector as an example in delivering good-paying,
high quality jobs for those who have often been underrepresented across
the country.
“It’s a socially monumental opportunity to engage in community-driven
approaches to champion the need for diversity and inclusivity in the industry
and initiatives like this one are crucial to fostering innovation. We want
to build an inclusive workplace environment and see this replicated from
others so it creates a fairer future for all.”
Kerry Bowie, BGS board president, said: “In the development of the
new US offshore wind industry, Massachusetts has a unique opportunity to
build the industry and its associated workforce with a commitment to diversity,
equity, and inclusion from the ground up.
“We are proud to be a part of this project to highlight and create viable
pathways for people from underserved communities to thrive in this burgeoning
industry. As local businesses and community leaders, our ability to understand,
embrace and operate in our multicultural environment is critical to the
long-term sustainability of US’ clean energy ambitions.”
