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PNCECE’s Strategic Plan for 2017-2020

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Over the past year, the PNCECE Advisory Board, comprised of energy industry and labor leaders along with education partners, thoughtfully considered the issues and challenges facing our Center, our students, Washington’s Community and Technical College system, and the energy industry in the Pacific Northwest.

We engaged with focus groups across Washington State for a candid assessment of our organization’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges. We heard consistently that it is the strength of our partnership with industry, labor and education that has been the pillar of our success.

Since our founding in 2004, the Center’s impact has grown from five to 20 energy sector programs offered throughout the Washington State community college system. These programs support the industry’s diverse workforce needs and technological advances in niche areas of energy such as smart grid, solar, energy efficiency, hydro and wind energy technology, while continuing to support the core curriculum of power generation, transmission and distribution programs.

Read the full PNCECE Strategic Plan 2017-2020.

Washington Jobs Project: A Guide to Creating Jobs in Grid Modernization

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The American Jobs Project seeks to provide a research-driven guide for state and local leaders who want to ensure quality jobs for Washingtonians.

The Washington Jobs Project: A Guide to Creating Jobs in Grid Modernization was created by the American Jobs Project in partnership with the University of Washington and Western Washington University. Information was obtained from dozens of interviews with government, nonprofit, academic, and business leaders in Washington.

The report summarizes Washington’s competitive advantage in grid modernization. It provides a guide for growing state industry by capitalizing on growing market opportunities and aligning manufacturing with critical economic system components — including access to capital, innovation ecosystems, and workforce development.

According to the report, with the right policies, Washington’s grid modernization industry could employ an average of 13,800 Washingtonians annually over the next 13 years.

The Washington Jobs Project is intended to stimulate discussion of future growth potential and opportunities for barrier removal in the grid modernization industry.

Read the full report:
The Washington Jobs Project: A Guide to Creating Jobs in Grid Modernization

Learn more, including a Policy Bank detailing best practices and innovative ideas for job growth in advanced industries:
American Jobs Project

Annual Best Practices Summit agenda now available!

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On behalf of the Washington Clean Energy and Construction Centers of Excellence, we are pleased to share the full Program Agenda for the 12th Annual Best Practices Summit on June 1 and 2 in the new Centralia College TransAlta Commons building.

We have an exciting venue lined up ranging from Mark Taylor, an expert on multi-generations in the workforce and classroom, to best practice apprenticeship models in energy, construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity.

New this year is an evening Northwest salmon and steak dinner with keynote on June 1. Chris Reykdal, WA Office of Public Instruction, will be talking about bridging K-12 and CTC workforce education. In addition, Governor Jay Inslee will be joining us for the social hour.

We hope that you are able to join us! Please register below.

Information and to Register:
12th Annual Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit

Program Agenda:
2017 Summit Program Agenda

We hope to see you there,

Barbara and Shana

Hydropower and STEM Career Academy, June 19-23

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Attention High School Students! Meet and engage in hands-on activities with mechanical and electrical engineers, plant mechanics and operators, divers, and linemen!

Now is the time to apply for the week-long Foundation for Water & Energy Education (FWEE) Hydropower and STEM Career Academy at Chelan PUD’s Rocky Reach Dam in Wenatchee, WA, June 19-23.

STEM challenges will include exploring the physics of producing hydropower, racing solar cars, and flying drones.

The Academy is open to students throughout the Northwest with a GPA of 2.5 or better. Over the course of the week, educational pathways will unfold as students connect career options to four-year college, community college and/or apprenticeship options that best suit their interests.

“Here in central Washington, we are in the heart of the Northwest hydropower industry. There are thousands of exciting and dynamic jobs that can lead to high-paying and rewarding careers for area students to consider. The FWEE STEM Academy provides a wonderful opportunity for students to see what hydro has to offer,” said Chuck Allen, Grant County PUD.

To learn more about hydropower in the Northwest and to apply for the Hydropower STEM Academy, visit the FWEE Academy website and view the FWEE Hydro STEM Academy Video.

Make a difference in your community, apply for PSE apprenticeship opportunities

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If you are looking for a hands-on job that may lead into an exciting and rewarding career in the electrical trades, PSE’s Pathway to Apprenticeship could be the right move for you!

Puget Sound Energy is seeking people interested in qualifying for future Pathway to Apprenticeship (PTA) opportunities in the energy sector.  PTA jobs are entry level positions that may lead into Apprenticeship opportunities.  These positions give you the opportunity to learn about the company and work with a diverse group of people while learning the tools of the trade.

PSE offers Apprenticeship programs in: Substation Wire, Hydro Electrician, Hydro Mechanic, Electric Meter and Combustion Turbine Specialist.

As Apprentice openings become available, they will be filled based on seniority by employees holding PTA positions.

Minimum requirements to test:

  • 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED
  • 1 full year of high school level algebra with a grade of “C” or better or college equivalent

Selection process overview:

  • Deadline to apply is March 3, 2017.
  • Applicants meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to take the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) test for the electrical industry.
  • Upon receipt of the online application a full packet of apprenticeship required forms and materials will be sent via email for completion and submission prior to testing.
  • Supplementary application materials must be postmarked by 4:00 PM on March 24, 2017.  No exceptions will be made.  It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure this gets submitted back to PSE.
  • The NJATC test will occur on April 17, 2017 in Bellevue, WA.
  • Applicants successfully scoring 7 or better on the NJATC test will be invited to interview.  Applicants will then receive a score based off their interview and test scores and will be ranked in the PTA Qualified Pool.
  • As PTA positions become available, they will be offered to those in the qualified pool in order of the combined scores.
  • Successful candidates will be required to participate in PTA training opportunities.
  • Those holding PTA positions are then eligible to bid on apprenticeship positions as they become available.  This is in part of the occupational progression as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.

Other:

  • These are safety sensitive positions which are subject to random DOT drug and/or alcohol testing.
  • These are IBEW Represented positions and the successful candidates will become members of the IBEW.
  • The selected candidate will need to be able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
  • Job opportunities will be throughout PSE’s service territory which covers much of Western Washington.  Relocation may be required.
  • Candidates will be subject to pre-employment screening including a physical capacity assessment (for ability to perform essential job functions).
  • Pay for PTA positions will be at least $15.69 per hour. Apprentice positions start at $33.39 per hour.

For more information, contact:  pseapprenticeship@pse.com

Program standards can be viewed at: http://www.lni.wa.gov.

Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams.  Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1886.  Today we’re building the Northwest’s energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.

At PSE all employees are valued, respected and provided with the opportunity to excel professionally. We offer an expansive pay package that includes competitive compensation, annual goals-based incentive bonuses, comprehensive cafeteria-style benefits, 401(K), a company paid retirement pension plan, and an employee assistance and wellness program.

PSE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage persons of diverse backgrounds to apply.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.

Cantwell: We must shrink the skills gap, invest in energy workforce training

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Energy Department Releases New Data on Energy Workforce Employment

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) applauded the U.S. Department of Energy’s new report on national energy employment and urged support of energy workforce training programs.

“This report reinforces findings from the Quadrennial Energy Review—we don’t have enough trained workers to fill the 1.5 million new energy jobs by 2030,” Sen. Cantwell said. “We must work to shrink the skills gap and fill the more than 300,000 expected new, good-paying energy jobs in 2017 alone, by investing in workforce training and apprenticeship programs.”

Commissioned by Secretary Ernest Moniz, the Energy Jobs Strategy Council (EJSC) today released the 2017 U.S. Energy and Employment Report, which analyzes current and anticipated energy sector employment needs. The report found that 6.4 million Americans now work in the traditional energy and energy efficiency industries, which added over 300,000 net new jobs in 2016—14 percent of the nation’s job growth. Nationwide, the energy industry is expected to add 198,000 energy efficiency jobs, 78,000 transmission jobs, 76,000 solar and wind jobs, and 81,000 jobs in the motor vehicles sector in 2017.

Read the full news release »

BPA apprentice positions open

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Entry level jobs available within the electric power trades.

Military vets encouraged to apply.

BPA apprentice jobs

Apprentice vacancies for Electrician, Lineman, and Substation Operator have been announced at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

These positions are open to apply from Friday, Jan. 13 through Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.

BPA is seeking individuals who desire a challenging, but highly rewarding, career in the electric utility industry. Our apprenticeship training programs are widely recognized for being among the best in class.

If you would like to start a career that will launch your future’s trajectory, please visit the links below for more information about the Bonneville Power Administration, the apprenticeship programs, and how to apply. To be eligible, you must be military; or a current or former Federal employee.

  • Starting pay is $29.83 per hour
  • Pay increases with each successful step increase (every 6 months)
  • Excellent benefits, including medical, dental, and paid vacations
  • Overtime pay is double time
  • Duty locations throughout the beautiful Pacific Northwest
  • Travel opportunities
  • Get paid to learn a skilled trade that is in high demand
  • Excellent promotional opportunities

For position descriptions and to apply:

2017 Best Practices Summit

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Please hold the dates for the 2017 Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit, June 1 & 2, at Centralia College in our new TransAlta Commons. This year’s theme is “Solutions for a Multi-Generational Workforce,” with keynote speaker Mark Taylor, an award-winning speaker recognized internationally as an educator, expert, and consultant on the forefront of transformations in educational practice and workplace management.

Now in its 12th year, the Energy & Construction Best Practices Summit is for energy/construction educators, industry, organized labor, and economic and workforce development representatives.

Read more >

Energy Northwest plans largest industrial-scale solar station in state

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Energy Northwest plans a first-of-a-kind solar power generating and storage facility just north of Richland, thanks to the recent award of a Washington State Clean Energy Fund grant.

It will be used to demonstrate and research an improved battery system that could make intermittent renewable energy more practical. It could help stabilize Richland city electricity expenses. And it will be used to teach solar and battery technology skills.

Read more here: www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article100014402.html

Careers in Energy Week

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Careers in Energy Week is a national event sponsored each year by the Center for Energy Workforce Development to celebrate a critical workforce that provides a vital service to our nation and to raise awareness of the rewarding careers available in the energy industry. From line workers to customer service operators to electrical engineers, these men and women work tirelessly to ensure that businesses and homes across the country always have the energy they need. Energy jobs offer promising opportunities to both experienced workers and those just starting their careers. These jobs are active, hands-on, rewarding, and available in every state, in an industry that is stable and growing.

Careers in Energy Week 2016, held October 17-21, again brought together events across Washington state sponsored by Avista, Tacoma Power, Washington State Labor Council and the Center of Excellence for Clean Energy. The Center procured the Governor’s Proclamation and Tacoma Power procured the Tacoma Mayor’s Proclamation. New this year to the partnership was the Construction Center of Excellence jointly hosting Construction Career Days with the Washington State Labor Council. These events served a total of 1,735 middle school, high school and community college students, job seekers/job developers, and transitioning veterans.

Joint Base Lewis McCord (JBLM) Military Base, Tacoma WA – 300 transitioning Veterans

  • An event sponsored by the Washington Department of Commerce and the Centers of Excellence to introduce transitioning veterans to careers in a variety of sectors. The Clean Tech sector (energy and construction) featured employers, organized labor and community and technical college programs offering energy career pathway advice on October 13. (300 Transitioning Veterans)

Tacoma Power, Mossyrock Dam, Tacoma WA – 281 students

  • Tour of Mossyrock Dam, hydro class from Centralia College (15 students) in addition, career talk from John Lambert and Clarence Lupo, October 20
  • 2B/D4 Central League Cross Country Championship (high school boys, girls and middle school – 166 students total) packets of information, October 20
  • Tour of Mossyrock Dam – Tenino Middle School 6th grade (100 students and adults), October 21

Avista, Spokane WA – 554 students, job seekers and job developers

  • Social media on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook – Continuation of the “People of Avista” campaign which highlights employees who are making an impact as well as how they got into their careers. #PeopleofAvista
  • Avista hosted an on-site event on 10/19 for student scholars in the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship STEM program to learn more about the company and the utility industry. Besides an overview of Avista, topics such as in-demand energy careers, career pathways (college and apprenticeship) were discussed. The students were also treated to a Q & A session with a panel of Avista employees representing Engineering, ISIT and Customer Service. They also received a tour of our Electric Shop led by the manager and a Journeyman Meterman. The event was shared on Avista’s social media page and “live tweets” were posted to the WSOS Twitter page. Attached is a group photo from the event and a copy of the group’s Twitter page (contains more group photos and photo of the panel) (4 students).
  • Career Fairs/Events – University of Idaho all majors Career Fair on 10/5, Access Spokane Disability Job Fair (300) on 10/11 (150 job seekers/job developers), Gonzaga University Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair 10/26 (100 students), Eastern Washington University Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair on 10/27, and Colville Rotary Career Fair 10/27.

Washington State Labor Council and Construction Center of Excellence, Spokane WA – 600 high school students

  • Construction Career Days is an industry sponsored event for high school students to introduce them to the various career opportunities available in the construction industry. Students were provided the opportunity to try hands-on projects and operate heavy equipment and machinery, as well as meet with industry representatives from the trades and higher education, October 12/13.