The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy is committed to working with partners from both the public and private sectors and across regions, to assess and develop Delaware’s workforce and economic opportunities in alignment with the state’s climate goals. Understanding the clean energy and climate-related workforce landscape is necessary to addressing the strategies and actions outlined in the Delaware Climate Action Plan. 

The Division has completed a comprehensive analysis of Delaware’s clean energy and climate-related workforce. It is also part of a multi-state partnership to build a climate-ready workforce, and it continues to work with agencies and partners across the state to bring the Governor’s vision of expanding workforce opportunities — including in climate and sustainability sectors — into action. This effort will help ensure that Delaware is well-positioned to meet the challenges of a changing climate.

The 2024 Delaware Clean Energy and Climate-Related Jobs Workforce Development Assessment

The analysis — the 2024 Delaware Clean Energy and Climate-Related Jobs Workforce Development Assessment — examines workforce trends, employer needs and training gaps. The team surveyed more than 300 employers and interviewed key workforce stakeholders to build a comprehensive training inventory.

The Assessment, conducted by BW Research Partnership and funded through a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a critical step in preparing Delaware’s workforce to support the state’s ambitious climate goals, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

A July 2024 workshop with over 20 Delaware stakeholders further refined findings and identified opportunities for collaboration.

This Assessment provides a foundation for future investments and workforce development strategies, helping Delaware prepare for the growing demand for clean energy jobs.

Key Findings

U.S. Climate Alliance: Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative

The Governors’ Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative, led by the U.S. Climate Alliance, is a multi-state effort to expand career pathways in climate and clean energy fields. With support from historic federal investments, the initiative aims to train 1 million new apprentices by 2035, ensure good-paying jobs, and promote workforce diversity.

Delaware is participating in this effort, with representatives from the Delaware Department of Labor and DNREC working to align workforce development with the state’s climate goals. The initiative focuses on registered apprenticeships, job quality, equity and collaboration with labor, education and industry partners to strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers in clean energy and climate resilience.

Executive Order #1: Expanding Youth Apprenticeships and Earn-and-Learn Opportunities

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer’s first executive order, Executive Order #1, commits Delaware to expanding youth apprenticeships and earn-and-learn opportunities to strengthen the state’s workforce.

This initiative will help prepare young people for careers in clean energy, sustainability and other high-demand industries by providing hands-on experience, industry credentials and pathways to stable, well-paying jobs.

A Working Group, including representatives from state agencies, education institutions and workforce organizations, will develop strategies to grow registered apprenticeships, work-based learning programs and career pathways within state government and key industries.

DNREC is part of this effort, ensuring alignment with the state’s clean energy workforce initiatives and broader climate goals.

Related Topics:  clean energy, climate, climate change, climate coastal energy, economic development, sustainability, workforce