To raise awareness of renewable energy and its importance locally, regionally, and globally, the Center for Energy Education will welcome high school students to its campus Friday, April 19, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 460 Airport Road in Roanoke Rapids, for a clean energy career fair.
The free event will showcase the range of available jobs and professions within the ever-evolving and fast-growing clean energy domain.
“Young adults are key to the nation’s energy transition and C4EE wants to showcase the range of educational options and solid workplace opportunities in the renewable energy space,” said Whitney Sessoms, workforce and education manager. “We hope to convince our visitors that upon graduation they can potentially launch their futures within clean energy, climate change and social justice fields.”
Juniors and seniors from high schools and early colleges in Halifax, Northampton, Warren, Bertie, Washington Counties, as well as those in Greensville County have been invited to visit tables of participating renewable energy representatives.
The center has invited public and elected officials, academia, solar company executives, as well as community partners to this event. It has extended invitations to Halifax Community College, Geenex Solar, EDF Renewables, Enviva Biomass, Dominion Energy, Roanoke Cooperative, Halifax Electric Cooperative, the North Carolina Clean Energy Center, Blue Ridge Power, Hypower and Monarch Bioenergy, Pine Gate Renewables and more.
Local partners NCWorks, Hux Safety Solutions, ECU Health-North, Halifax County EMS, the Halifax County Health Department and the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce will also participate.
Clean energy assets and STEM exhibits from companies and universities will also be on display to highlight the range of options and tools for renewable energy job opportunities and economic growth.
C4EE said it values community partnerships, notably with academic, industry and research allies, to leverage solutions. “Through its commitment to engaging its residents of all ages with educational and workforce training opportunities that upcoming clean energy projects bring to the area, it serves as an intersection between state government, clean energy industry, utility companies and the community.”
Executive Director Mozine Lowe said, “C4EE provides a place to supercharge the futures of our area youth through clean energy industry projects, even kickstarting careers in manufacturing and infrastructure and those related to solar, wind and battery storage.”
Said Lowe: “We strive to shine a light on renewable energy and its crucial role in combating climate change and harnessing the sun’s energy to power a brighter tomorrow.”
EDF Renewables will offer scholarship opportunities at the event for which the visiting high school students may apply. “Our onsite career fair allows our homegrown talent to explore and pursue fulfilling careers while generating momentum in our clean energy future,” said Lowe.
