The New York State Department of Labor Launches Green Survey, Mailers Sent Out
The New York State Department of Labor has sent out surveys in the mail to estimate the number of green jobs in the state and determine the skills workers need in order to accomplish these jobs. This research project was made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The week of December 6th surveys went out to firms in six industry clusters:
- Construction
- Energy and environment-related manufacturing
- Electric power generation, transmission and distribution
- Professional services
- Financial services, and
- Building services
The surveys require little more than checking an appropriate box, so agency officials request those firms that receive the survey promptly respond. No firm specific information will be included in the final report, only group results. The surveys provide the employer community a valuable way to help government assess the potential for green jobs and the training they require.
Green industries have an effect on all aspects of the economy. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics “Green Jobs” typically either produce or provide services that benefit the environment or conserve natural resources, or enable workers to make their establishment’s production processes more environmentally friendly or use fewer natural resources. Green jobs can stimulate new business opportunities by making it easier for industries to integrate clean energy technologies, practices and services.
New York Labor Department Commissioner Colleen C. Gardner said, “Green jobs are important for New York’s economic future, not only in terms of getting people back to work, but also to help residents and businesses reduce energy usage.” The NY State Department of Labor has partnered with the U.S. Department of Labor, the State University of New York’s Office of Business and Industry Relations, and the New York City Labor Market Information Service at the City University of New York Graduate Center on this research project.
For more information please visit the New York State Department of Labor website at http://www.labor.ny.gov/home.