The Maine Governor's Energy Office (GEO) launched the Maine Clean Energy Jobs Network, an online platform that aims to connect skilled job seekers with clean energy jobs and training opportunities across the state. The Network allows employers to post jobs and reach job seekers interested in joining the clean energy economy while providing job seekers with a centralized hub to explore open positions and clean energy training programs in Maine. The Governor's Energy Office developed the site in coordination with the Department of Economic and Community Development, through the Clean Energy Partnership, a clean energy workforce and innovation initiative established by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan to bring together state agencies, industry, workforce training organizations, and academic institutions to increase clean energy job opportunities in Maine and reach the Governor's goal of having 30,000 clean energy workers in Maine by 2030.
According to a clean energy industry report published by the Governor's Energy Office, the clean energy sector employs over 15,000 people and grew three times faster than the Maine's overall economy between 2016 and 2022, contributing $2.31 billion to the state's economy in 2022. To support the growing clean energy economy, the Governor's Energy Office has awarded over $4 million in grant funding for workforce development and business innovation programs across the state. In 2022, the office awarded $2.9 million to nine entities for workforce development programs focused on attracting new workers, providing career training and upskilling, and improving diversity in the sector. In 2023, the Governor's Energy Office allocated $1.3 million to three entities to support clean energy business accelerator and incubator programs. Most recently, the office announced $2 million for clean energy and energy efficiency workforce development and training programs.
To learn more about the Maine Clean Energy Partnership and the Governor's Energy Office's efforts to support clean energy workforce and economic development, click here.