Delaware’s path to a resilient, net-zero future depends on a skilled workforce ready to drive the clean energy transition. Meeting the state’s climate goals requires training workers for emerging technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable building, as well as reskilling those in existing occupations.

Clean energy jobs are growing nationwide at more than twice the rate of overall job growth and offer higher wages and benefits, giving Delaware an opportunity to expand well-paying employment while advancing climate progress. From solar and wind energy to electric vehicle infrastructure and building electrification, preparing a workforce equipped for these technologies is critical to the state’s economic and environmental success.

According to a 2024 assessment commissioned by DNREC, over 12,400 Delaware workers are employed in clean energy and climate-related fields, with the largest share in energy efficiency. While this shows a strong foundation, targeted investment is needed to scale up the workforce for offshore wind, battery storage, hydrogen production and other emerging sectors. Successful workforce development also requires supportive services, including childcare, transportation, mentoring and equity-focused recruitment, to ensure underserved communities benefit from job growth.

While demand for clean energy jobs is projected to rise sharply, critical gaps will still remain in skilled trades such as construction, electricians, HVAC technicians and specialized clean energy roles. By 2030, Delaware could face shortages of 10 to 31 percent in key occupations if training programs and recruitment pipelines are not expanded. Similar challenges exist in agriculture, forestry and urban tree management, where an aging workforce requires new pathways for younger workers.

To address these needs, Delaware must take a comprehensive approach that blends education, equity and support systems together. The 2024 assessment contains a series of recommendations, developed from a robust stakeholder process, which include:

• Expand training, credentialing and apprenticeships to ensure workers are prepared for clean energy and climate-related careers, including retraining for existing occupations.
• Develop strong workforce pipelines by connecting high schools, technical education and universities to clean energy pathways, and by providing internships, fellowships and early-career opportunities.
• Ensure equitable access and diversity by reducing barriers to entry and intentionally recruiting workers from underserved and overburdened communities.
• Provide wrap-around services such as childcare, transportation assistance, mentoring and career navigation to help workers succeed and remain in clean energy jobs.
• Support incumbent worker reskilling so that current employees can transition into new and evolving roles as technologies advance.
• Invest in professional development and continuous learning to keep the workforce current with new codes, standards and technologies.
• Strengthen partnerships among government, educational institutions, labor organizations, community-based organizations and industry to align training with actual labor market demand. Work with the Delaware Workforce Development Board to formally integrate clean energy and climate-related careers into state planning.
• Improve workforce data and tracking to monitor job growth, program outcomes and equity impacts, ensuring Delaware’s approach stays adaptive and responsive.
• Develop a statewide clean energy workforce roadmap that outlines steps, timelines and partnerships needed to coordinate training and employment opportunities across sectors.

Governor Matt Meyer’s Executive Order #1 further supports youth apprenticeships and earn-and-learn opportunities, giving young people hands-on experience in clean energy and high-demand sectors. Together, these efforts aim to build a skilled, resilient and inclusive workforce ready to power Delaware’s clean energy future.

Related Topics:  actions, clean energy, climate action plan, climate change, climate coastal energy, greenhouse gas, jobs, labor, sea level rise, sustainability, workforce