The Siemens Foundation is beefing up its commitment to sustainable energy through a bold $3 million grant. This investment is a cornerstone of their EVeryone Charging Forward™ initiative, aiming to make clean energy jobs accessible to all, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers for All
Under the EVeryone Charging Forward™ program, the Siemens Foundation’s contribution directly supports the Families and Workers Fund’s (FWF) efforts to cater to the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) charging sector. Together, they are building an inclusive workforce, opening doors for meaningful career opportunities in this green industry.
Comprehensive Support for Workforce Development
FWF doesn’t just offer financial support; it’s about tackling widespread barriers head-on. This includes covering costs for essential gear, managing child care and transportation needs, securing affordable housing, and prioritizing mental health. This holistic approach is set to forge stronger, more reliable career paths in an evolving industry.
Bringing Collaboration to the Forefront
Siemens Foundation CEO David Etzwiler is clear about one thing: inclusion takes a village. He stresses the significance of diverse entities—governments, businesses, and civic groups—joining forces to enable everyone’s participation in the clean energy revolution. This grant is more than monetary aid; it’s an open invitation for all hands to be on deck.
Expanding Workforce Training Programs
As they kick off this initiative, the focus is razor-sharp on scalable programs and cutting-edge training that lay the groundwork for a capable workforce. The investment funnels into efforts ensuring that the workforce can keep pace with the industry’s rapid advancements and ever-evolving needs.
The Path to Inclusion and Growth
Rachel Korberg, Executive Director of the Families and Workers Fund, adds another layer to the vision, highlighting the pivotal role of support services in propelling career training and completion rates. By removing systemic roadblocks, FWF and Siemens are unlocking doors to not only new jobs but sustainable career trajectories in clean energy.
Facilitating Nationwide Collaboration
The National League of Cities (NLC) and the National Governors Association (NGA) are joining the conversation through the inaugural meeting of the State and Local Collaborative to Support an Inclusive Workforce for the Electric Vehicle Charging Sector (EV Workforce Collaborative). Funded by the Siemens Foundation, this alliance aims to curate a knowledge hub and foster best practices, essentially paving the way for a diversified EV charging workforce.
A Response to Industry Growth
Behind the EVeryone Charging Forward initiative is a clear recognition of the EV charging sector’s explosive growth and the burgeoning demand for skilled labor. As the Siemens Foundation pursues this cause, their primary goal is to democratize the influx of job opportunities, ensuring everyone can partake in the green economy while also contributing to the country’s decarbonization efforts.
