UNF and WareWorks host showcase focused on workforce training for new technologies

The University of North Florida Institute of Utility Security & Resilience partnered with WareWorks, a local skilled trades institute, to host a showcase today for projects from around the nation funded by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine 2024 Workforce Development for the Energy Transition grant initiative.

The event brought together researchers, industry leaders and workforce development professionals to showcase projects focused on preparing the next generation of workers in emerging energy technologies. As the energy sector increasingly adopts renewable technologies, microgrids and other advanced systems, workforce training is critical to support the industry's evolving needs.

The event featured a tour of UNF's Sustainable Solutions Lab as well as a presentation from Dr. Jim Fletcher, aassociate professor and director of the Institute of Utility Security & Resilience, and Dr. Sumit Raj, post-doctoral associate, on their project funded by the grant "EMERGE: Educational Microgrid for Enhancing Renewable Growth and Education."

The EMERGE project, a partnership with JEA, Jacksonville's public utility, and Miller Electric, a national electrical and technology contractor headquartered in Jacksonville, created a two-year training program that offers professional growth opportunities and provides internships to early-career electricians and high school students between the ages of 16 and 25.

The first year of the program concentrated on the existing workforce with three early-career electricians from both JEA and Miller Electric. The second year, the project established a key workforce partnership with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) of St. Johns County to train seven high school students. Working collaboratively, the cohort engineered a hands-on capstone project: a mobile, solar-powered atmospheric water generator housed within a 20-foot shipping container, capable of producing approximately 50 gallons of potable water per day. Participants in the training earn a certificate from UNF to validate their expertise and help increase their employability.

The EMERGE project connects industry partners with educators and students and serves as a model for building a skilled workforce capable of supporting the nation's energy needs.

Other grant awardee presentations were given by the Electrical training ALLIANCE, Association of Energy Services Professionals, Houston Area Urban League, Jackson State University, The People's Justice Council, and the University of Houston.