Ontario’s colleges are helping to shift the Ontario economy by training graduates for future careers in renewable energy. Colleges Ontario released a report stating that thirty-five new programs have been introduced throughout the province over the past three years, all of which were designed to help train employees for the growing green job industry.
Linda Franklin, President and CEO of Colleges Ontario, states, “College graduates will be instrumental in supporting the rapid introduction and expansion of green technologies.” Fanshawe College President, Howard Rundle, noted “With traditional manufacturing making way for new green industries and opportunities, the jobs of the future require a new skill set.” He continued, “Working closely with industry partners, colleges such as Fanshawe are positioned to provide the training and applied learning essential to support the green economy.”
Ontario Colleges Increasingly Passionate about Green Job Development
A green roof installed at Fanshawe College, a $1.1 million smart house constructed at Lambton College in Sarnia, and the Centre for Alternative Waste Water Treatment at Fleming College in Peterborough are just three examples of the green energy initiatives that Ontario’s colleges are undertaking. Whether it is in water management or in solar energy jobs, these programs showcase the diversity of green career programs that colleges are investing in, the skills they provide to graduates, and their passion for making Ontario’s economy cleaner and greener.
Solar Energy As Major Component of Green Job Development
Although Ontario’s Green Energy Act has helped spark a surge in innovation, manufacturing, and development across numerous renewable technologies, few areas have benefited as much as solar has. Scalable, flexible, and heavily subsidized, solar energy has generated tremendous interest, not only for businesses and homes, but also for First Nation communities, school districts, and government agencies.
To meet this demand requires training a solar workforce capable of installing the technology and infrastructure when and as it is needed. Training such a workforce is the primary goal of Ontario Solar Academy – Canada’s only ISPQ-accredited PV school. Comments Director, Jacob Travis, “The green industry is vast, and we support all competing renewable energy technologies that can help make Ontario a cleaner and more sustainable economy.” He adds, “However, solar still remains the most accessible to small businesses and homeowners. You can install PV technology on your lawn, empty parking lot, or roof – the success of Ontario’s green push is closely linked to the province’s solar progress.”
Tags: college, first nation, green energy act, job development, Ontario, ontario solar academy, solar academy
