Shortage of Qualified Energy Professionals to Be Addressed at the World Energy Engineering Congress

WEEC 2010

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Next week, the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC), America’s premier energy event, will host the results presentation of the Association of Energy Engineers’ (AEE) survey on Green Jobs and Energy Industry Market Trends.

Based on the current economic condition and the need for job creation, the survey indicated there were many opportunities to create a new workforce based on the innovative technologies being deployed as well as the number of experienced professional scheduled to exit the energy industry. Based on over 1,500 qualified responses from energy professionals currently employed in the field, the survey found:

•67% indicate there is a shortage today of energy management practitioners.

•37% of experienced energy – utility professionals plan to retire in the next ten years.

•60% of energy professionals surveyed indicate a need for national and state training for "Green Jobs" to address job shortages that are impairing growth in green industries, such as energy efficient buildings and construction, renewable electric power, energy efficient vehicles and bio-fuels development.

•57% have received higher recognition for their energy efficiency responsibilities.

•42% have indicated increased availability of utility rebate programs for energy conservation or alternative projects.

•62% have considered the installation of renewable technologies such as wind or solar at their business.

According to Albert Thumann, Executive Director of the Association of Energy Engineers, "The need to develop a pool of qualified energy and green collar professionals servicing the commercial, industrial, and governmental marketplace has never been greater. There is a dire need to implement programs and policies to stimulate effective energy efficiency training. The jobs are there – the skilled professionals to fulfill them may not."

AEE will be presenting these findings at the World Energy Engineering Congress (WEEC), starting December 8^th in Washington, DC. The complete survey may be downloaded at http://www.aeecenter.org.

The WEEC is the nation’s largest energy efficiency conference and exposition and addresses new advances in lighting, HVAC, and energy management technologies. Subjects include: energy policy, high performance buildings, and energy management “best practices” for the federal, commercial, institutional, and industrial marketplace. Stimulus funding updates, green jobs, and financing are covered in detail.

To attend the show as a member of the press, or for more information about the AEE or WEEC, please contact Megan O’Neil at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (770) 447-5083 x229.

Contacts

Association of Energy Engineers
Megan O’Neil, 770-447-5083 x229
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Source: Association of Energy Engineers