September 26, 2024
This Climate Week program, organized by NYCETC and The New York Climate Exchange, will focus on the opportunities and challenges central to the green workforce development conversation locally, nationally, and internationally. The program includes panel discussions in person and live-stream to learn about training models, employer needs, investments, and policies to strengthen efforts in the five boroughs and beyond to develop an effective, inclusive, and fair green economy. The panelists will explore how they define “green jobs,” how to build partnerships with employers, reach diverse job seekers, and how the government can support these efforts to combat climate change and create job opportunities.
Agenda
12 pm – 12:45 pm — Lunch & Learn: Opening Doors to Green-Collar Jobs
Panelists will discuss the evolving landscape of education and training programs focused on green jobs. It will explore how educational institutions, vocational schools, and training programs are adapting their programming, operations, and services to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in the green economy. The conversation will cover lessons learned by these providers, including the skills needed for these roles, the role of technology, collaboration amongst providers, and the challenges and opportunities in building employer partnerships in the green space.
A vegetarian lunch will be provided with catering from Little Eva’s on Governors Island.
Panelists:
- Matthew Phifer, Executive Vice President of Education and Employment, Henry Street Settlement
- Mike Conway and Jon Spooner, Co-Founders, Stacks+Joules
- Nikki Tourigny, Director of Employment and Business Services, The HOPE Program
- Habib Bangura, Managing Director of Programs, The Urban Assembly
- Robert Zandi, Director, CUNY Offshore Wind Advisory Network
12:55 pm – 1:20 pm — Fireside Chat with Stephen Levin, Chief Executive Officer, Solar One
1:25 pm – 1:50 pm — Fireside Chat with Tonya Gayle, Executive Director, Green City Force & C. Patricia Toro, Toro Construction
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm — Building a Sustainable Future: A Conversation on the Green Economy in NYC
This conversation will provide a platform for industry leaders to discuss the city’s evolving green economy. The panel will focus on what employers are looking for in jobseekers, best practices in partnering with employers, both union and non-union, and what we can look forward to in the renewable energy infrastructure field. The panelists will also discuss the opportunities and challenges of transitioning to a more diverse and equitable workforce in the emerging green economy.
Panelists:
- Laura Gibson, Director of Workforce Development, Transmission Developers
- Gaspar Caro, Workforce & Economic Development Specialist, Attentive Energy
- Nicole Bertrán, Executive Vice President, The Edward J. Malloy Initiative for Construction Skills
Submit your questions in advance and during the program here.
Can’t make it to Governors Island? We’ll also be offering this program via live-stream on our YouTube channel.