How the Skilled Trades Impact Energy and Sustainability Goals

Energizing the Workforce 

With growing demand for power worldwide, an aging electrical grid that requires substantial infrastructure upgrades, and green initiatives that call for net-zero emissions by 2050, the energy sector is at a critical pivot point.  

For the sector to meet its needs and goals, it will require highly trained professionals across multiple crafts who have the skills and knowledge to execute the transformation of American energy through construction and maintenance.

 

Construction’s Major Role in Energy 

Specialized, skilled construction professionals help to install, maintain and upgrade energy-related systems and technologies in residential, commercial, industrial and heavy civil construction projects. Some key construction specializations involved directly in the energy sector include electricians, photovoltaic (PV) solar installers, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians. Other crafts like carpentry, roofing, insulation and glazing also can impact a building’s footprint through energy-efficient building techniques, proper materials usage and other practices. 

Overall, construction trade occupations make up a large chunk of what is considered “energy jobs.” With more than 7.3 million craft professionals in energy-related jobs, construction is the second-largest industry employer in the energy sector, and the top-ranked employer in three energy sector subcategories:  

• Electric Power Generation (EPG): 292,526 employees  

• Transmission, Distribution, and Storage (TDS): 479,202 employees 

• Energy Efficiency (EE): 1,193,136 employees  

Construction also ranked second among all industries for growth in energy jobs in 2022, with more than 45,000 new jobs created.

 

Help Wanted – Recruitment and Training 

Despite the high number of energy-related employees in construction, it is not nearly enough to meet demand. New sustainability initiatives are set to increase the number of energy-related construction projects, creating a high demand for labor with a smaller labor pool to choose from.  

A vast majority of employers are already facing challenges in hiring qualified staff, with 31 percent of union construction employers and 59 percent of non-union employers reporting it “very difficult” to find workers. 

To account for this growing labor shortage, employers who invest in recruitment, training and upskilling their craft workforce in the upcoming decade may be able to stay ahead of curve. 

Offering professional development opportunities and lucrative wages will help attract skilled talent. Establishing training programs allows companies to educate new hires to accommodate the level the company needs while keeping current employees’ skills sharp and providing them opportunities to progress in their careers.

 

The Role of Electricians in Sustainability Goals 

As the United States focuses on new and improved sustainable equipment, (i.e., solar panels, wind turbines and smart homes), electricians will be called upon to upgrade existing systems and to maintain new ones.  

Between 2022 and 2032 the need for electricians is expected to grow by 6 percent — faster than average for all occupations. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates predict a need for 73,500 additional electricians per year, on average, over the coming decade. 

As new energy systems become more automated, electricians will install and troubleshoot systems. Building retrofits and solar power integration will also partially fall under the watchful eye of electricians. With the increased focus on electric vehicles (EVs), charging station installation and maintenance will also fall under the purview of those in construction with electrical skills.  

Initial and ongoing training, such as that 

provided by the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s (NCCER) Electrical curriculum, can help to prepare and upskill electricians to fill these roles.

 

The Role of PV Solar Installers in Sustainability Goals

PV installers whose skill set includes an electrical background and knowledge of solar panel installation, including system construction, is a growing field in the sustainable energy arena. Contracting companies looking to fill PV installer vacancies have options to fill the positions. Apprenticeship programs for electricians that incorporate PV installation curriculum can benefit companies and employees alike. 

Some high school districts also offer career technical education (CTE) programs that cater to the solar industry space and are a popular option with young people looking for career options. 

 

The Role of HVACR Technicians in Sustainability Goals 

The energy efficiency (EE) sector as a whole is one of the largest in the clean energy sector with over 2.2 million employees. Among these are technicians who install and maintain high-usage systems, like HVACR. With more extreme climates necessitating higher rates of HVACR usage nationwide, ensuring that these systems operate effectively while efficiently limiting power consumption is a critical step in meeting clean energy goals.

As HVACR systems continue to evolve, HVACR technicians will need to keep pace with advancements. Training will be key to understanding the nuances of the newer, “smarter” modernized systems. A person trained with HVAC skills will find themselves in high demand in the energy sector. As of 2022, the sector employed 415,800 technicians with expected job growth to be 6 percent through 2032. 

 

The Role of Other Construction Trades in Sustainability Goals 

In addition to the more notable energy-related construction crafts, there are many others that play a partial role in contributing to sustainable practices in the industry: 

• Carpentry – Utilize materials and best practice techniques that promote renewable and lower carbon footprint.  

• Drywall – Promote energy efficiency in the materials and designs that improve indoor air quality through non-toxic, eco-friendly construction. 

• Framing – Consider innovative techniques and products such as reclaimed wood and bamboo for framing interior structures and exterior walls. 

• Roofing and Insulation – Use cool roof material like reflective metal or white coatings and insulate with advanced products such as spray foam for maximum energy efficiency.  

• Glazing and Glass Fabrication/Installation – When possible install energy efficient two-pane glass and strategically design/locate for best use of natural light to limit energy use.  

• Heavy Equipment and Crane Operators – Consider electric vehicle equipment (EV) if available. Leverage technology to measure fuel consumption, monitor productivity and payload. Each can help business lower cost and energy consumption. 

 

Workforce for the Future  

Maintaining a well-staffed and skilled workforce is crucial to achieving the ambitious sustainability goals in the energy sector, yet meeting demand amid labor shortages presents challenges for employers. Facing those challenges will require investment and a commitment to recruiting and training. Industry-recognized curricula and credentialing from NCCER can help ensure you have qualified craft professionals for your energy-related construction projects. 

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