Clean Energy
Transitioning away from fossil fuels as our primary source of energy, and the embrace of clean, renewable, and sustainable sources of energy like wind, solar, and hydropower.
Growth in the clean energy sector outpaced the overall economy, which increased
13%
13%
during this period.
Clean Energy Jobs Spark InnovationInclusivityOpportunities
Worksystems supports the development of this sector through our clean energy Career Coaching Program, which provides career coaching in clean energy related fields to residents of the Portland Metro area. These careers, vital to the clean energy transition, include jobs in construction, forestry, regenerative agriculture, transportation, and the manufacturing of clean energy components.
This transition aims to increase renewable energy production from sources like solar, wind, geothermal, renewable hydrogen, and hydroelectric power while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It also involves retrofitting buildings, and manufacturing appliances and vehicles to use renewable-source energy as efficiently as possible, promoting sustainable infrastructure and transportation.
The urgency for this shift is underscored by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilient infrastructure and communities in response to growing challenges such as wildfires, water and air quality concerns, and droughts.

2023 Regional Industry Facts
Average Wage:
$114,725
Number of Jobs:
139,515
Number of Firms:
4,496
5 Year Job Growth:
8%
Industry LQ*
1.8
* Location Quotient (LQ) is a statistical measure used to compare the concentration of a particular industry, occupation, or demographic characteristic in a specific region to a larger reference area, typically at the national level. An LQ of 1.8 means the industry plays a 80% larger role in the region’s economy compared to the national economy.
Key Clean Energy related employers in the Portland Metro Area:
Primary Occupations
There are many types of jobs critical to making the clean energy transition possible. These roles are classified as part of the clean energy sector based in one of two ways: the nature of the work performed and the nature of the employer. Jobs directly involved in creating, deploying, or enabling clean energy infrastructure and systems fall into this first category. In the second category, roles within organizations that directly perform or support clean energy initiatives are included, even if the specific job function does not involve hands-on work in building those systems. Examples include:
Jobs related to building homes and businesses that are more efficient and powered by electricity.
Jobs with companies that create and bring electricity to our homes and businesses.
Jobs in transportation and public transit that move people and goods from Point A to Point B.
Jobs at companies that manufacture, assemble, or recycle battery systems, or produce electric vehicles, switches, controls, and other components that support clean energy.
Jobs in natural resource management, regenerative agriculture, or forestry that sustainably produce food or maintain open space and forest lands.
Training Pathways:
Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs are designed to help people build the necessary skills to meet the minimum entry qualifications for apprenticeships. They are a vital first step for individuals wanting to enter Registered Apprenticeship.
Worksystems’ funding currently supports Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs with:
Registered Apprenticeships are industry-driven high-quality career pathways where employers develop and prepare their future workforce. Registered Apprentices obtain paid work experience, mentorship, progressive wage increases, classroom instruction, and nationally recognized credentials. Union programs include IBEW Local 48, LIUNA 737-OSILETT, Western States Carpenters, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 36, Plumbers and Pipefitters UA 290, and SMART 16. In addition, Worksystems’ funding supports the Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) Apprenticeship Program.
Key Initiatives:
This multi-partner project provides training and placement for 114 individuals from underserved populations, preparing them for quality jobs in solar installation and related fields, including union electrical careers. Training is delivered through pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Participants receive tuition support, services, and job placement assistance. Employers hiring solar rackers can access financial reimbursement for on-the-job training.
Launched in May 2023, Clean Energy Career Coaching prepares job seekers for high-quality clean energy related careers. Made possible in part with funds from the City of Portland, The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, and State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, these services include financial assistance for tuition and training, access to WorkSource Portland Metro’s On-the-Job Training program, paid work experiences, and wraparound supports such as short-term rent assistance, utilities, transportation, and career tools.
As of September 30, 2024, the Clean Energy Career Coaching program has supported 197 individuals from the seven-county Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro Metropolitan Statistical Area with clean energy career coaching services.
- 65 have obtained clean energy related employment
- 13 include acceptance into union registered apprenticeship programs
Over 90 businesses have engaged in the Clean Energy Industry Advisory Panel, including businesses representing battery energy storage manufacturers, electric vehicle manufacturers electric utility companies, wind turbine manufacturers, HVAC component manufacturers, solar contractors, building performance contractors, regenerative agriculture businesses, and a variety of building and construction trades. The panel is tasked with developing a unified definition of the sector, focusing on the industries and occupations essential to transitioning the Portland Metro area’s economy to cleaner energy sources.