The offshore wind industry holds great potential for the Northeast Region, and the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) is at the forefront of ensuring that there is a prepared workforce ready to answer the call for all facets of jobs that are coming to the area.
Through its Maritime Center for Responsible Energy (MCRE), the Academy is already training the much-needed future workers who will engineer, build and service the windfarms that will power the Northeast.
Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s MCRE took a step to ensure its support for this growing industry. On Wednesday, March 9, the organization held the first meeting of the Maritime Center for Responsible Energy Industry Advisory Committee (IAC). The Committee consists of eight volunteers currently working in the OSW industry who will provide insight into industry best practices and needs so that the MCRE and, by extension, the Academy can provide quality training and highly qualified candidates for employment within the industry.
“We are honored that these exceptional individuals are willing to join us on this journey,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, President of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. “They are bringing first-hand knowledge, experience and expertise to the table and committing to help us develop the best possible workforce to the industry. We welcome them and their input with the highest level of respect.”
The eight inaugural members of the IAC include:
- Megan Amsler, Executive Director - Self-Reliance Corporation
- Jeffrey M. Andreini, Vice President, New Energy - Crowley Shipping
- David Borrus, Business Manager - Pile Drivers and Divers Local 56, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters
- Jennifer Cullen, Manager of Workforce & Supply Chain Development - Vineyard Wind
- Sidney Florey, President - DEME Offshore US
- Daniel Hubbard, Director of External Affairs & General Counsel - Mayflower Wind
- Elizabeth Kretovic, Marine Affairs Senior Project Lead, NA Marine Affairs Commercial - Ørsted
- Jenni Lewis, Managing Director, Caribbean, Mexico and USA - RelyOn Nutec USA
Members will serve a two-year term and the group will meet four times a year.
The committee’s charge is focused on developing a diverse robust workforce to support the offshore wind industry. The United States Department of Energy estimates 43,000 new jobs will be created in the offshore wind market by 2030. A Massachusetts Clean Energy study estimates that offshore wind farms will create 2,000-3,000 jobs and generate economic impacts between $1-2 billion in the region.
In its first meeting, the group provided valuable suggestions aimed at advancing the MCRE's goals. Going forward, the IAC will review the MCRE’s strategic plan and provide advice regarding trends in the industry and possible business opportunities. It will consider ways and investigate opportunities to support the Academy’s experiential education programs. In addition, the group will weigh in on efforts to build a diverse workforce.
“I’m extremely impressed with the members of this committee and what they will help us achieve,” said Captain Michael R. Burns, Jr., Executive Director of Massachusetts Maritime Academy’s MCRE. “We’re all committed to building a workforce for the future and the energy that we experienced in the room at our first meeting was incredible. It’s an honor and a pleasure to welcome this outstanding group of individuals to our campus. I can’t wait to see what we do together to move this industry forward.”
