Building an Equitable & Inclusive Clean Energy Workforce
BACKGROUND
Training Leaders from Marginalized Communities
Nexamp is tackling the industry's labor shortage by developing workforce programs and forming strategic partnerships. We offer internships, fellowships, and hands-on training to diverse candidates, including those who may not have degrees or who may have been impacted by the criminal justice system. Our core mission is to fight the climate crisis in an equitable and just manner. Since our inception, we’ve pioneered the removal of credit checks in community solar, and now we’re building a diverse workforce to further support communities disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis.
The Unequal Climate Burden
A combination of social, economic, and environmental factors is forcing lower-income communities to bear the brunt of climate change. These areas often grapple with a disproportionate energy burden, where higher percentages of their income are devoted to utility bills. This issue is compounded by inefficient infrastructure that keeps costs high and limited access to cost-saving energy resources. Nexamp stands as an ally in this battle, committed to breaking this cycle by offering sustainable solutions that reduce energy costs and enhance accessibility. Our mission is to bridge the divide, providing a lifeline through renewable energy that alleviates these economic pressures and fosters long-term resilience.
The United Nations estimates that 80% of people displaced by climate change are from underserved, lower-income households.
The median energy burden of low-income households is 3 times higher than that of non-low-income households.
Over 50% of the population living within 1.86 miles (3 kilometers) of hazardous waste facilities are low-income or people of color.
The Labor Crunch in America’s Renewable Sector
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is poised to drive significant job growth over the next decade, particularly in clean energy sectors like solar power. Despite this promising surge, labor force participation rates are critically low, underlining systemic challenges in workforce engagement. This issue is especially pronounced in key industries such as construction and manufacturing, which are vital to America's clean energy transition. To address these gaps, Nexamp is spearheading innovative workforce development strategies through targeted training and partnerships, equipping workers with essential skills to stimulate industry-wide growth and long-term careers.
The Inflation Reduction Act will create 9 million jobs over the next ten years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a shortfall of 413,000 workers in the construction industry and 764,000 workers in manufacturing.
The Interstate Renewable Energy Council's National Solar Jobs Census reports that 44% of solar industry employers find hiring "very difficult."
THE APPROACH
Strategic Partnerships and Equity Eligibility
Nexamp forms strategic partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders to address the unequal climate burden and labor shortage. The goal is twofold: make clean energy more accessible to those who would benefit most and provide access to careers in clean energy. With our diverse network, we develop targeted programs for underserved populations through equity-eligible initiatives. This approach ensures that clean energy benefits and career opportunities are inclusive and accessible.
Amplifying Impact Through Strategic Partnerships
Nexamp recognizes the transformative power of collaboration in extending our reach and deepening our impact within the communities we serve, particularly in our headquarter cities. By working alongside a diverse network of local organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders, we amplify our efforts to bring critical clean energy initiatives to those who need them most. These strategic partnerships not only enhance our ability to implement programs tailored to local needs but also ensure that our solutions are sustainable and culturally resonant.
What Is Equity Eligible?
Equity Eligible is a designation used by the state of Illinois to identify programs that support individuals and communities facing systemic barriers. Nexamp fully embraces this definition to enhance our initiatives, particularly in Illinois, where we have established our second headquarters. Through these targeted programs, we are not only complying with state guidelines but also advancing our mission to ensure clean energy is accessible and beneficial, especially where our operational presence is most significant.
Persons whose primary residence is in an equity investment-eligible community
Persons who are graduates of the foster care system
Persons who were formerly incarcerated
Participants or graduates from workforce programs
THE SOLUTION
Developing Equitable Pathways
Nexamp has developed and partnered on programs that create equitable pathways into the clean energy sector. Our internships, fellowships, and hands-on training opportunities support diverse candidates, including those without degrees or those impacted by the criminal justice system. These initiatives empower communities disproportionately impacted by climate change and address the skilled labor shortage, reinforcing our commitment to an equitable and sustainable future.
Solar Sunrise
Boston, MA & Chicago, IL
Nexamp's Clean Energy Deployment (CED) Solar Sunrise program is a one-year learning journey that takes two equity-eligible participants through 3 job rotations: construction, engineering, and supply chain. Throughout the program, they will gain a deep understanding of Nexamp, our business, as well as the mission and values that guide everything. This program was originally Boston-based but has been expanded to Illinois.
Clean Energy Catalyst
Boston, MA & Chicago, IL
Through a 3-week hands-on training program, Nexamp is creating its own pool of skilled workers. Our main goal is to hire construction observers for Nexamp projects and invite new faces into the clean energy industry. This program is offered in Boston and Chicago.
Fellowship
Chicago, IL
We've partnered with City Colleges of Chicago, which serves 77,000 students—to launch an eight-week fellowship program that creates a robust employment pipeline for students interested in clean energy careers. The program offers a combination of in-office and on-the-job training in areas such as solar technology, construction, project management, IT, supply chain, safety, inspection, office skills, and interviewing.
Internships
Boston, MA
Nexamp’s internship program supports various organizational teams by providing practical experience and professional development opportunities. Designed to cultivate a broad spectrum of skills, the program allows interns to contribute meaningfully across the company while preparing for potential full-time roles within Nexamp.
Creating Careers Where They Count
Nexamp’s career programs showcase our commitment to solving the labor shortages and inequalities that challenge our industry. By enhancing our programs and deepening partnerships with local organizations, we create jobs where they're most needed—in disadvantaged cities and communities. This strategy doesn't just offer employment; it's about establishing long-term careers and ensuring that the clean energy transition includes everyone. Through these efforts, Nexamp is setting a standard that we hope will inspire similar commitments across the industry, building a labor pool that the whole country can be proud of.