Electricians union sees job growth in alternative energy

The electrician's union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, sees alternative energy as a field that will provide more jobs in the future. The union focuses primarily on the construction and manufacturing industries for its job growth and development. Recently, because of outsourcing and the decline of the auto industry, the union has seen a decrease in available jobs for its members.

The union is now looking at the possibilities of employment in the alternative energy marketplace. There are needs for electricians in building, installing, and maintaining solar panels, hydrogen fuel cells, wind turbines, and other alternative energy markets. IBEW President Ed Hill said, "I think, quite honestly, the future lies in energy cells."

Ed Hill said that some union locals are finding work in the solar power industry, mostly out West. The electricians union says the best source of employment would be in gas and coal powerhouses rather than in the wind turbine field because gas and coal powerhouses provide recurring work.

Pete Rodriguez, an electrical foreman that works out of New York, welcomes the possible opportunities in these new markets. With years of knowledge and experience, Pete has the required skills that are necessary for the alternative energy market. He said, "This may be a new frontier for electricians, but the skills that come with the trade will not change, and only a small amount of training will be necessary to get a licensed electrician up to speed on photovoltaic installation."

IBEW: http://ibew.org/