2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This paper presents research methods, data collection, and analysis focused on the Clean Energy (CE) manufacturing sector to create a specialized worker training program in Western New York. Awareness of the effects of global warming has become mainstream, driving the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Growth in clean energy technologies and manufacturing increases demand for graduates trained in these areas. The overarching research questions are “What is the most efficient Clean Energy training/educational method to turn a student into an employment-ready Clean Energy engineering technician?” and “How can career pathways for new entrants into Clean Energy be made accessible to disadvantaged communities?” The research questions determine what skills are essential for CE technicians, what pedagogical methods will best deliver the training, and how to engage candidates from underserved communities.
A mixed-methods research plan uses qualitative and quantitative research activities to better understand the problem and solution. Mixed methods remove the limitation of simplified statistical analysis of quantitative data, allowing a qualitative component for a more comprehensive analysis of the clean energy transition agenda, which comprises many political, social, and economic forces. Although more labor intensive, it is a trade-off between managing the proper scope of research and providing enough detail for well-founded analysis and conclusions.
Analysis of responses to the comprehensive survey and Interview questions will determine how to improve the educational opportunities for current and future technicians who work in clean energy (CE) industries. Technical training must be designed to vigorously prepare CE program students for energy sector apprenticeships and jobs. The research findings will identify best practices and serve as an action plan for creating the most effective clean energy education programs. In addition, this study includes the social justice aspect of providing equal access to these educational resources by building a CE training program to engage with marginalized communities and get students to join this academic pathway to employment. The research aims to provide a win-win solution as companies find well-trained candidates and unemployed people enter the Clean Energy education pathway and get hired at a living wage. The graduates, their families, neighborhoods, and the community will benefit.