As part of Orange County’s quest to grow and nurture its local economy, area economic-development officials are investigating ways to create green-collar jobs and the talent to fill them.
“There is a conversation going on right now with the two school systems about how to prepare students for this type of work,†explains James Harris, Carrboro’s economic-development director and chairman of Orange County Communities in Schools. The programs would especially target students who don’t plan to attend college. “It’s our hope that the students will be able to work as apprentices and end up with a certificate upon completing the training.â€
Last summer, Communities in Schools and Duke University developed a summer camp for rising ninth graders that introduced them to green jobs and solar-energy production. And now Durham Tech is considering a solar energy production equipment installation and maintenance program at its Orange County campus. Harris also hopes to offer Central Carolina Community College’s program in biofuels production and engine design in Orange County.
These programs should help Orange County provide a skilled workforce to attract green-collar employers.
“Workforce development and education have to go the same way,†says Bradly Broadwell, director of the Orange County Economic Development Commission. Educating today’s kids for tomorrow’s jobs is a smart strategy. “If you’re dynamic enough, your economy is going to be relatively stable.†— Margot C. Lester