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Abstract

The Problem

In light of the 2008 recession, new government investment to stimulate the development of new green markets has been unprecedented. One area that has received significant attention is workforce development to support the education and training of workers in new knowledge and skills required to convert and maintain green enterprises. Yet many question whether the U.S. workforce development system, which has been described as fragmented and incoherent, has the capacity to respond.

The Solution

The article presents findings of a comparative case study of two Energy Training Partnerships (ETPs) funded by the U.S. Department of Labor to stimulate a comprehensive workforce development strategy for green jobs in two regions. It provides new insight into the challenges and effective practices of meeting the needs of the green economy as well as improving the functioning of the U.S. workforce development system.

The Stakeholders

Scholars and practitioners concerned with the effective and equitable functioning of the labor market, including human resource development, workforce development, and economic development, will be interested in this article. In addition, advocates and policymakers seeking innovative approaches to supporting the green economy and green jobs may find this article useful.

Keywords

green HRD green jobs workforce development

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Green Jobs Career Pathways