Energy Commission Holding Workshop on Workforce Training Opportunities for Alternative Fuels

The California Energy Commission is holding a workshop on Aug. 25 to gather input from stakeholders to help develop how investments in workforce training for alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies will be made.

The staff workshop starts at 9 a.m. at the Energy Commission headquarters, 1516 Ninth Street. All stakeholders, including potential solicitation applicants, vehicle manufacturers, investors, community groups, and other government organizations, are encouraged to attend and participate.

The Energy Commission’s Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program (ARFVTP) provides up to $100 million annually for technology to reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels, curtail greenhouse gases and meet clean air standards. These projects reduce the state’s reliance on petroleum and helps California with its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

To date, the ARFVTP has invested more than $30 million in training and development in alternative renewable fuels and advanced vehicle technology. Under the ARFVTP 2016-17 Investment Plan Update, $2.5 million will be invested in workforce training to prepare a workforce to meet California’s growing clean fuels market.

During the workshop, the Energy Commission’s investments in workforce training will be reviewed and information will be gathered to help develop future funding opportunities. The workshop will include presentations from partner agencies such as the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office that have received training funds. There will also be discussions on the challenges for workforce training such as how to serve underserved communities, public transit agency needs, and increasing career interest in the clean fuels market.

More about the workshop can be found here.