Georgia has attracted major investments in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, with leading automaker Hyundai and EV manufacturer Rivian establishing manufacturing plants in the state. These developments are expected to create more than 15,500 job opportunities, making a significant impact on the local economy.
Last year, Hyundai Motor Group selected Georgia as the location for its first dedicated EV manufacturing plant in the United States. In order to entice the company, Georgia offered $1.8 billion in tax breaks and other incentives. This project is the largest economic development deal in the state’s history. Around the same time, Rivian also announced plans to build a factory in Georgia, attracted by $1.5 billion in economic incentives.
It is important to note that these investments are primarily driven by the state’s immediate economic needs rather than a shift towards addressing climate concerns. The green economy is projected to create approximately 9 million new jobs in the United States over the next decade. However, there is a mismatch between the demand for green skills and the number of workers prepared to fill these roles.
To ensure that all workers can benefit from the transition to a green economy, there are four key strategies that can be implemented:
1. Create opportunities for worker exposure and exploration: Workers need to be aware of the various career opportunities available in the green economy. Partnerships between cities and talent analytics platforms, like the one between Denver and Julius, can help workers understand the available jobs, required skills, and training pathways.
2. Connect workers to training and workforce development programs: Given that many green jobs do not require a college degree, regional and state leaders can establish a workforce training ecosystem. By creating talent marketplaces, employers can subsidize training programs and contribute to building the talent pipelines they will rely on.
3. Target training efforts for workers: It is crucial to prioritize training initiatives that promote equity and inclusion. Research shows that populations disproportionately affected by climate change, such as Black and Latino workers, are underrepresented in the green workforce. Training providers, like Interplay Learning and BlocPower, are partnering with community colleges and focusing on specific communities to expand access to green job training.
4. Augment training with complementary services: To ensure disadvantaged workers can successfully complete training programs and transition into new careers, there needs to be investment in wraparound services. Resources such as reliable transportation, childcare, and housing support can be provided alongside training programs to address basic needs and remove barriers to success.
By investing in these strategies, policymakers and business leaders can create an equitable green workforce that benefits all workers. Public support and significant investments are needed to facilitate the necessary training programs and ensure that no worker is left behind in the transition to a green economy.
As Georgia attracts major players in the EV industry, it sets an example for other states to follow in creating economic opportunities while addressing the demands of the green economy. This shift not only promotes job creation but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the United States.
