1,000 jobs to fill: Greater Binghamton Clean Energy Summit, Job Fair to make connections

As Binghamton University continues to haul in grant money to grow the Southern Tier’s battery economy, a new event debuting this week will showcase the region's transition to clean energy manufacturing.

The first-ever Greater Binghamton Clean Energy Careers Summit and Job Fair is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at the DoubleTree at 225 Water St. The event will connect job-seekers with employers hoping to increase their workforce in the Southern Tier, while also highlighting how clean energy jobs are driving economic growth and sustainability in the region.

More than 1,000 jobs are currently available in the Southern Tier's clean energy sector, according to the Binghamton-based Network for a Sustainable Tomorrow (NEST). An additional 10,000 to 15,000 jobs are expected to be created over the next decade.

“The Southern Tier is fortunate to have many of the essential ingredients needed to build a clean energy economy. What we have lacked is a unified strategy to make this a reality,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell). “The Clean Energy Careers Summit will bring together a diverse group of people interested in collaboration and, most importantly, workforce development.

“It will provide attendees with an opportunity to not only learn about current clean energy initiatives but to network and explore numerous career opportunities.”

Clean Energy Careers Summit first step in creating action plan

The Greater Binghamton Clean Energy Careers Summit and Job Fair will be divided into two blocks — the Summit, held from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., followed by the Job Fair and Networking Reception from 4-6:30 p.m.

The Summit will provide an overview of clean energy developments in the region, bringing together industry leaders, contractors, educational institutions, labor leaders, community-based organizations, renewable energy advocates, state agencies, local governments and elected officials.

The keynote speaker is Jennifer de Souza, the Vice President for Energy Solutions, Supply Chain & Leasing for The Raymond Corporation. Shawn Atkinson, Director of Operations for Power and Propulsion Solution at BAE Systems, will also offer remarks. Panel discussions will feature local education professionals, workforce development experts and business leaders, followed by a breakout session with direct participation from attendees.

Adam Flint, Director of Clean Energy Programs at NEST, said the event is a first stepping towards creating an action plan that will help the Southern Tier overcome obstacles to workforce development, like a lack of child care options and training programs.

More: Binghamton lands $3 million to grow battery industry in Southern Tier. What we know

“To build and strengthen our green economy, we must increase resources for workforce development to equip individuals with the skills needed for success in the clean energy sector,” said Sen. Lea Webb (D-Binghamton). “The Greater Binghamton Clean Energy Careers Summit has enormous potential to help shape and solidify the Southern Tier as a regional hub of New York's growing clean energy industry."

Summit registration is priced on a sliding scale to accommodate all participants. Lunch will be provided. Register online at https://nynest.org/greater-binghamton-clean-energy-careers-summit/

Job Fair will match employers with job seekers in clean energy

The free Job Fair following the Summit will feature dozens of employers. Nonprofits that support job seekers will also be in attendance.

Flint said embracing innovation in education and workforce training will be key to meeting the job demands of the clean energy economy. The region also has a workforce deficit in more traditional building trades positions like electricians and HVAC technicians, he said.

“We want to demonstrate this region is willing to lead in this area,” said Flint.

Flint noted Broome County already had a strong clean energy manufacturing base in transportation at companies like BAE and Raymond, before recent efforts to grow the region’s battery economy gained steam.

Binghamton University’s New Energy New York project has secured nearly $120 million in federal and state funding to turn the Southern Tier into a nation-leading hub of battery manufacturing and development, and it’s in the running for another $160 million to supercharge those efforts.

“New York’s aggressive policies to transition to a clean energy economy mean that these diverse and well-paying careers — which can accommodate people with an extensive range of skills and interests — will only continue to grow over the decades to come,” said Flint.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Binghamton Clean Energy Careers Summit, Job Fair set for Sept. 27