Good turn out again for the 3rd MA Green Career Conference
Press Release Date: October 1, 2011
On September 30, 2011 people across the Commonwealth gathered again in Marlborough for the 3rd Massachusetts Green Career Conference.
The conference attracted nearly 300 people from government, education and business along with several workforce development and career services professionals, and job seekers transitioning into the green economy.
“Each year we attract a variety of people interested in green careers,” said the conference director, Jen Boudrie. “This year we also had some college students interested in sustainable development at the conference. We even had a teacher from a technical high school who brought three of her students.“
The three keynote speakers were Kevin Doyle, author of four green career guides; Susan Dobscha, Associate Professor of Marketing at Bentley University; and Patrick Cloney, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.
“Each year we showcase current and emerging initiatives. This year there was a stronger interest in solar energy,” noted Jen Boudrie.
According to a keynote speaker, Patrick Cloney, Massachusetts has grown from 50 to 200 solar installation companies in recent years. Says Cloney, “We are in the process of creating a new industry. Massachusetts currently has more than 50MW of solar electricity installed and by the end of the year we will expect to have 90MW.”
Businesses were accepting resumes at the conference from several job seekers. The HR director of Next Step Living, a home weatherization business which grew from 5 to 180 employees in the past 4 years, had a busy day at the conference. “Look at all the resumes I collected,” she said at the end of the day. “This was a good day. I expect some of the candidates I met today will be joining us. The company’s growing and we need more staff.”
When the keynote speakers were asked about what careers and training needed will be needed in the future for sustainable development, Kevin Doyle said “The industry is seeking people in science and technology, as well as management skills. Having a well rounded employee who has several skills is important. We need people who can get the work done.”
One of the 35 presenters and 20 exhibitors was David Schmidt, Chair of the Energy Management Department at Mount Wachusett Community College. He described the Energy Manager degree and certificate program taught at their Devens campus, and mentioned their Gardner campus sustainability initiative which includes getting 97% of their electricity supply from renewable energy.
Another conference presenter was Marlborough resident and businessman Greg Minott who is principal of the D.R.E.A.M (Development, Revitalization, Energy, Architecture, Management) Collaborative who spoke about his success and marketing.
Also on hand were two students from the Business and Technology Department at Assabet Valley Technical High School who helped out at the conference by assisting the conference registration staff.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center which is investing in business and workforce development in Massachusetts was a platinum sponsor for the conference.
We’re looking forward to having the conference again next year,” says Jen Boudrie. “Folks want to learn about sustainable development and emerging opportunities. This conference helps people find their role in the green economy.”
Post-conference information will be posted at www.MassGreenCareers.com.
