Oregon’s community colleges step up to boost green jobs in rural areas

Given the growing market for greener goods and services, as well as stronger state and international regulations, OEC sees the development of green jobs as a key way to support the competitiveness of key industries in Oregon. But to ensure a more resilient state economy that supports Oregonians’ needs, we must create and retain equitable jobs and support institutions that develop the workforce to fill those jobs.

Educating and training the workforce for these types of positions is important—and a new program being offered at eight community colleges around the state called the Oregon Green Technology Certificate is working to do just that, emphasizing training and employment opportunities in rural Oregon. Fortunately, much of the knowledge, skills and abilities that are provided in the program can also be applied in traditional jobs. This “cross-training” is essential to ensuring these trained workers can meet the needs of a wide array of employers.

Let’s continue to support programs and policies that provide multiple benefits for communities and our environment. Creating green jobs and training people to fill those jobs is one example of a good way we can do that.