Problem: Analysis of Training Solutions for Older Workers
The coal industry is shrinking. A number of former miners think their jobs are coming back, but investment in coal has been declining for a number of years. Appalachian communities are trying to come to terms with these problems and find ways to get these workers, and other out-of-work people like Veterans and long-term unemployed, into new jobs.
You are to write a one-page memo (about three hundred words) that does the following:
Explains why many workers might not want to change careers. Is it age? Is it unemployment benefits? Is it opportunity costs (i.e. of leaving coal... but what if coal comes back)? Opinion is NOT enough. Any statement made here needs to be backed up by evidence. Feel free to cite research on this subject.
Lays out how investments in training might pay off. What specifically might these workers be re-trained in? How might a training program be designed to help former miners weigh the benefits vs. costs and decided to try a new career. What are the limitations and possible barriers?
Gives examples of successful, best practice programs that are already doing this. A new study suggests that re-training into solar might be an option. I saw a presentation on Advanced Energy Training, which gives electricians additional skills to perform solar installation. If they aren't trained, who is going to do all of the work needed for upcoming, massively-large solar projects in the region? The Appalachian Regional Commission offers POWER grants to coal-impacted communities. A final resource for this may be the Center for Energy Workforce Development.