The Tennessean
By Commissioner James Neely
Published: February 10, 2009
Over the past 30 years of working with state government, I have seen a great change in Tennessee's work force. We have seen steady declines in manufacturing, and the current recession has cut more deeply into the pockets of employers and workers than I have ever seen before. More than 240,000 Tennesseans are out of work right now, so as I look at opportunities for job growth, "green jobs'' could be a saving grace for many who are out of work or are looking for new avenues to increase their business.
Our Labor Market Information section recently completed a report called "Growing Green: The Potential for Green Job Growth in Tennessee," which identified 162 occupations in five sectors — including green building, biofuels, wind energy, solar energy and geothermal — that could benefit from investments in green energy. Investments can be direct, such as Hemlock Semiconductor's polycrystalline silicon manufacturing operation planned for Clarksville, or indirect, such as the retail and wholesale jobs that surround these facilities.
Of the 162 jobs identified as being tied to the green industry, many are transferable from other types of businesses. For example, construction and modification of green buildings requires electricians, roofers and carpenters. Expansion in biofuels requires chemical engineers, agricultural-equipment operators and truck drivers. Construction of wind energy sources requires tool-and-die makers, metal fabricators and industrial production managers, among many others.
How quickly can these jobs be created? With talk of a federal stimulus package, it could be possible for the state to receive money quickly that could be used for short- and long-term projects such as retrofitting buildings, expanding mass transit, constructing "smart" energy grids and expanding production of wind, solar power and advanced biofuels. One study in our green report suggests that an investment of $1.9 billion over a period of two years would create more than 44,000 jobs in Tennessee alone.
Our department is also looking to the long term with our involvement in the Tennessee Energy, Industry and Construction Consortium, a group that includes representatives of industries and labor organizations, education and economic and community development to educate middle and high school students about skilled labor positions that will be in demand as these industries develop.
Ensuring the state has a future skilled work force is crucial to attracting companies looking to relocate or establish green industries in the state. If you look at the Southeast region, while we're not alone in struggling with this economy, we have a head start in many areas thanks to the efforts of Gov. Phil Bredesen with our investments in biofuels, geothermal sites, investments in wind turbines in East Tennessee and most recently, solar manufacturing.
It is hoped government and private businesses will realize that we are leading by example and will make investments in our state and our people who are eager to land good jobs.
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