We Have the Power
Energy Sector Holds Promise for Brevard
by Valerie Carothers
This is a community in transition and we are shifting our talents, resources and focus to activities that can present stable opportunities down the road. As part of Brevard Workforce’s business approach to workforce development, we are engaged in several efforts – through industry sector experts working directly with companies in a variety of target industries, including energy – to ensure that the Space Coast is prepared for new career options and new business opportunities.
Recent national studies indicate that energy efficiency and renewable energy may produce about four million jobs over the next 20 years across the nation. The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast, the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Space Florida and other central Florida organizations have zeroed in on energy sector companies as high-value economic development targets because of existing crossover resources and talent, and the caliber of jobs these industries offer. Brevard has an outstanding workforce and the supply chain assets to transition into emerging energy fields.
The Future Is Bright
The outlook is so promising, in fact, that business and local governments have joined to form the Space Coast Energy Consortium, which is working with Brevard Workforce and many others to initiate business-to-business opportunities, find and support space industry transition, engage in energy education and workforce training and ramp up business services. The group is also identifying access to emerging technologies and R&D, beginning to facilitate financing and venture capital, and advocating for smart energy policy that will help super-charge development of the industry.
Brevard Workforce is putting its business-side approach into high gear in energy. This outreach creates a direct link from the emerging players to the talent that can help them achieve success. Information accessed from TORQ reports* tells us an important fact: the skills match from aerospace to clean technology jobs (across the varied jobs information assessed) is an outstanding 97 percent – meaning that many of our talented aerospace workers can make a smooth transition to clean tech jobs and continue to help us grow a strong future in this varied, exciting and emerging industry cluster.
Energizing Locally
Several energy-related companies are already off and running in Brevard, giving realistic hope to the potential for building a thriving cluster – not only with jobs but with enhanced service and supply opportunities as well. Advanced Magnet Lab (superconductors), Avera Motors (alternate energy autos), PetroAlgae (biomass) and Lighting Science Group (LED and energy efficient lighting) are just four examples of the sector diversity and excitement in Brevard County. These businesses can attract other energy-related manufacturing.
In addition, this community is part of the Central Florida team focused on becoming a site for Sematech, a significant industry research organization, and our area is globally recognized for research through work ongoing at the Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa.
Brevard Workforce is committed to serving industry in ways that will help encourage growth of the industry through each individual company we serve. We are establishing and building new relationships with employers to learn about their challenges and opportunities. We want to help them find and train the talent they need, and connect them with potential funding sources, suppliers and the network of the Space Coast Energy Consortium.
Learn More
To learn more about energy opportunities for your business or yourself, email Valerie Carothers vcarothers@brevardworkforce.com, or visit the Space Coast Energy Consortium at spacecoastenergy.org.
