Delgado Joins Clean Power Institute’s Inaugural Team for Workforce Leadership

March 11, 2024

Partnership Will Help Delgado Create Industry-Based Certification Training Programs in Clean Energy

 Delgado Community College announces its membership in the Clean Power Institute’s first-ever workforce leadership team. The Clean Power Institute, a policy organization based in Washington, D.C. that develops Industry-Based Certifications (IBCs) for clean energy (such as wind and solar), will assist Delgado in developing training programs in clean energy.  

The new training programs will equip manufacturing professionals with transferable skills and credentials in the clean energy sector through courses such as Renewable Energy Professional & Hydrogen Safety, Wind Tower Welding, Wind Turbine Welding, and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).

Delgado Chancellor Larissa Littleton-Steib, Ph.D. said, “Delgado is honored to join the Power Institute’s workforce leadership team. This opportunity allows us to collaborate with leading, clean energy experts to ensure that our training programs remain aligned with industry standards and workforce needs.”

Laura Wilson Phelan, Chief Strategy and Program Officer of the Clean Power Institute said, “Delgado Community College’s voice in the Clean Power Institute’s workforce efforts is critical to ensuring our priorities and approach are grounded in the lived experience of the students we hope to attract to the clean energy industry. ”

Lacy McManus, Executive Director of Future Energy at GNO, Inc. said, “GNO, Inc. is thrilled to see Delgado Community College’s position on the American Clean Power (ACP)’s Clean Power Institute Executive Council. Delgado’s role on this national platform not only demonstrates Greater New Orleans’ commitment to an equitable energy transition, but ensures the latest industry demands and technologies are incorporated into our local workforce programs. For the residents of Greater New Orleans to benefit from the economic opportunity within the energy sector, it is critical for our minority serving institutions—like Delgado—to have a seat at national tables like the ACP.”

In addition, Delgado’s Workforce Development, through the H2theFuture grant and in partnership with the Clean Power Institute, is working to expand several advanced manufacturing programs and obtain certification for those programs from the  Global Wind Organization, the only recognized wind energy credentialing body in the world. Delgado currently offers advanced manufacturing training for line workers and welders. Upon certification, the credentials earned will be accepted in the clean energy sector.

Dr. Arlanda Williams, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development at Delgado Community College, said, “Our involvement with the Clean Power Institute will give Delgado the opportunity to meet and partner with other wind sector companies for training and job opportunities for our students. Delgado will be poised to become a leader in clean energy workforce development.”  

For more information about Delgado’s training programs in clean energy, contact Delgado’s Workforce Development at 504- 671-6488.