Green Workforce
Many climate justice organizations call for a “just transition”–a framework that aims to ensure that workers’ rights are at the forefront of the renewable energy transition. At CFROG, we’ve moved beyond simply a framework and are partnering directly with laborers in our community to grow the green workforce.
We have worked diligently to cultivate an unprecedented partnership with local organized labor–which is key to our integrated strategy to achieve a fossil fuel-free future.
Building the offshore wind workforce on California’s Central Coast
In partnership with organized labor, CFROG has led the first West Coast implementation of an innovative offshore wind training. As interest and opportunities have grown, we have also co-developed a shared vision to establish Ventura County as a California hub for offshore wind workforce development.
As leases are awarded and permits approved for offshore wind projects, we have about a decade to ensure a trained, local workforce is immediately ready to fill the estimated 175,000 jobs needed and all stakeholders are in solidarity with one another to ensure the development, benefits, and impacts are equitable.
With no offshore-specific wind training center in California, Ventura County is well poised to fill this gap–with the largest population on the Central Coast, home to the Port of Hueneme, which has been identified as a site for operations and management, and significant interest from labor and community.
Take action and get involved
Introducing the Offshore Wind for Building Trades’ Multi-Craft Curriculum Pre-Apprenticeship program
Currently, CFROG collaborates with Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council and Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 585 to introduce pre-apprenticeship students across the Central Coast to offshore wind and climate justice by integrating a 5-hour Introduction of Offshore Wind class into their union pre-apprenticeship program (Multi-Craft Curriculum) and utilizing innovative virtual reality (VR) technology.
For the first time ever, pre-apprenticeship students in the region have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in a virtual wind farm environment as part of their certification.
200 community members have experienced the virtual reality experience.
150+ pre-apprenticeship students trained.
Trainings across Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties.
The classroom curriculum first explores climate science and environmental justice principles; contextualizing the need for workforce training in green trades. Students then dive deep into the world of offshore wind, learning:
- How wind energy is captured and turned into electricity;
- The components and mechanics of a wind turbine;
- The distinct stages of development of an offshore wind farm,
- Career opportunities in the offshore wind industry;
- How to identify credible information about offshore wind;
- Where California’s offshore wind farms will be located and the associated economic, environmental, and workforce development opportunities.
Upon arrival at the wind farm, students clip into their harness and begin the long climb to the top of an offshore wind turbine – over 500 feet!
Finally, students enter the nacelle and are required to perform a series of basic maintenance tasks, including checking the brakes, grease pot, and executing a high-voltage cable configuration.
Not only does this course equip future trades workers with additional knowledge and skills beyond the traditional pre-apprenticeship curriculum, but it also expands access to training, cuts costs, minimizes safety risks, and allows laborers and other community members to gain a deeper understanding of what offshore wind means for California – demystifying this new industry.
90%+
of students learned new information about offshore wind.
67%
of students are interested in pursuing a career in offshore wind.
100%
of students would recommend this course to others.