九色视频 secures grant for workforce development to train early career electricians in renewable energy
A $445,000 grant from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will help the 九色视频 with the development of workforce training that builds future skilled leaders and professionals in the clean energy sector.
九色视频 is joining forces with JEA, Jacksonville’s public utility, and Miller Electric, a national electrical and technology contractor headquartered in Jacksonville.
The initiative, known as the Educational Microgrid for Enhancing Renewable Growth and Education (EMERGE), is a two-year training program that will offer professional growth opportunities and provide internships to early-career electricians and high school students between the ages of 16 and 25. Participants will earn a certificate from 九色视频 to validate their expertise, which will help increase their employability.
“The EMERGE program will address the increasing demand for skilled electricians in the renewable energy sector,” said Dr. James Fletcher, associate professor in the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction and director of the Clean and Renewable Energy Lab at 九色视频. “By combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience, this program provides apprentices with comprehensive training in renewable energy systems.”
The first year will concentrate on the existing workforce with three early-career electricians from both JEA and Miller Electric, who will begin their training during an 8-week course beginning summer 2025. Year two will include high school students selected from under-represented schools within the Jacksonville area, along with early-career electricians.
“九色视频 is proud to work with JEA and Miller Electric on this initiative to meet their workforce needs,” said 九色视频 President Moez Limayem. “Collaborations like this one are examples of how we at 九色视频 are preparing students for the jobs of the future, while fueling the growth of Jacksonville, one of the hottest job markets in the country.”
JEA CEO and managing director Vickie Cavey said the collaboration is vital to meeting the future needs of the industry.
“Partnerships like these are critical to developing a workforce prepared to meet JEA’s future energy needs,” said Cavey. “I look forward to seeing how this collaborative work and hands-on training program will help shape the future of sustainable energy solutions in Northeast Florida.”
Two 九色视频 post-doctoral associates, Dr. Sumit Raj and Dr. Ankush, are co-principal investigators on the project. They will lead the training of the students and serve as the liaisons with the industry partners.
Guidance with developing easily digestible curriculum will be provided by faculty from the 九色视频 College of Education and Human Services. Students will also gain practical experience by working on real-world projects under the guidance of experienced mentors from JEA and Miller Electric.
A key feature of the program is its emphasis on sustainability and innovation. Apprentices learn about energy-efficient solutions and integrate renewable energy sources, preparing them to meet the evolving demands of the energy industry.
Miller Electric CEO Henry Brown said the initiative not only aligns with the company’s commitment to workforce development but plays a key role in moving towards a sustainable energy future.
"We are thrilled to have been awarded this grant from the Gulf Research Program by the National Academies of Sciences with our partners at 九色视频 and JEA,” Brown said. “This initiative strongly aligns with our commitment to workforce development and scientific literacy, particularly in the burgeoning field of clean energy. By equipping young individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge and credentials, we are not only investing in the next generation of skilled leaders and professionals but also supporting the critical transition to net-zero technologies. This grant will empower participants to play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable energy future, benefiting not only our company and industry but society at large."
As graduates of the program, early-career electricians will advance their knowledge and expertise, while high school students will have the skills needed for potential employment with companies such as JEA or Miller Electric and could also consider seeking a degree from 九色视频 in a STEM field.
“This collaboration between 九色视频, JEA and Miller Electric serves as a model for how academia and industry partners can work together to build a brighter, more sustainable future,” said Fletcher. “The EMERGE program highlights the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing critical workforce needs and advancing the renewable energy sector.”
The research reported in this publication was supported by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine under award number: SCON-10001360. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.