Innovative Partnership with NJ Council of County Colleges to Benefit Community College Students from All New Jersey Counties
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Attentive Energy Two, an awarded offshore wind project in New Jersey’s third offshore wind solicitation, is proud to announce its sponsorship and participation in American Clean Power’s Offshore WINDPOWER conference, taking place in Atlantic City. This premier event brings together top developers, public officials, and key stakeholders from across the industry, underscoring New Jersey’s leadership in the offshore wind sector.
As a highlight of the conference, Attentive Energy Two convened a unique gathering on October 30th for New Jersey community college students, in partnership with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC). Attentive Energy Two has sponsored day passes for 50 students and administrators from all 18 community colleges in New Jersey, providing them with a unique opportunity to engage with industry professionals at Offshore WINDPOWER. The event featured an overview of the Attentive Energy Two project, a career roundtable with offshore wind industry experts, and invaluable networking opportunities with industry and supply chain providers. This initiative aims to give community college students and faculty from all 21 counties a firsthand understanding of the industry and facilitate direct interactions with experts in their fields of interest.
“In New Jersey, we’re building the future of America’s offshore wind industry, with businesses like Attentive Energy bringing family-sustaining, good-paying jobs to our state,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “New Jersey is proud to host the American Clean Power Conference and provide next generation opportunities that will lead our nation’s transition away from toxic fossil fuels and toward securing energy independence.”
“Offshore wind is a rapidly growing industry in the state and our next generation of workers must be equipped with the skills to take on the good-paying jobs it’s poised to create,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “I applaud Attentive Energy for its proactive engagement of college students and its commitment to offering high-quality workforce development opportunities to help ensure residents across the state can reap the economic benefits of the industry.”
“Attentive Energy is committed to leveraging New Jersey’s position to foster inclusivity, growth and innovation in the local offshore wind industry. One such example is our partnership with the NJ Council of County Colleges which exemplifies our commitment to supporting the local workforce, reaching across all 21 counties and providing the most up to date information on opportunities in this sector and creating early pathways to participation,” said Damian Bednarz, Managing Director, Attentive Energy.
“Attentive Energy’s dedication to New Jersey’s community college students underscores the need to build a robust offshore wind workforce as this industry grows. By connecting students with industry leaders at the Offshore WINDPOWER conference, we are actively shaping the future of clean energy and solidifying New Jersey’s leadership in this growing and vital sector,” said Anne Reynolds, Vice President of Offshore Wind for the American Clean Power Association.
Attentive Energy Two’s collaboration with the NJ Council of County Colleges runs far deeper than the ACP conference. As part of the project’s commitments to New Jersey, Attentive Energy Two will launch the OSW Workforce Pathways and Skills Collaborative with NJCCC aimed at establishing a robust offshore wind network for community colleges. This partnership will provide funds for the development of offshore wind-related workforce and academic programs. It will also foster partnerships between higher education institutions and local high schools to integrate them into the offshore wind industry. Attentive Energy’s funding will enable NJCCC to position coordinated workforce resources within the county college network.
“We are thrilled to partner with Attentive Energy Two on this unprecedented opportunity to bring students to a national conference and engage with industry professionals in one of the most dynamic and burgeoning fields in this State,” said Catherine Starghill, Vice President of NJCCC. “This collaboration will significantly enhance our ability to prepare students for careers in the offshore wind industry, ensuring that New Jersey remains a leader in this vital sector.”
Through these efforts, Attentive Energy Two continues to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to advancing renewable energy and providing invaluable opportunities for education and career development in New Jersey.
About Attentive Energy Two:
Attentive Energy Two is an offshore wind project designed to help New Jersey meet its nation-leading offshore wind targets and will strengthen and expand upon the State’s foundational offshore wind investments. Attentive Energy Two has developed a holistic offshore wind proposal, informed by engagement with hundreds of stakeholders over four years, that will create economic opportunities statewide reaching all 21 counties. Approximately 42 miles from its nearest point in New Jersey, the project is expected to power over 650,000 homes with clean renewable energy. As a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Corio Generation, a partnership representing one of the largest offshore wind portfolios in the world, Attentive Energy Two is uniquely positioned and committed to delivering this major offshore wind project for New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.attentiveenergy.com/attentiveenergytwo.
About NJCCC:
Governed by the presidents and trustees of the state’s 18 community colleges and enshrined in state law, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) supports New Jersey’s community colleges and the more than 240,000 students they serve annually across 70 locations by fostering collaboration and developing solutions that expand access to college, promote equity and student success, and create a skilled workforce to drive economic growth. NJCCC brings together the state’s community colleges to build a world-class, flexible higher education and workforce development system that can respond to the needs of local communities and employers while having statewide reach and impact. NJCCC promotes innovation and policy changes to help New Jersey’s community colleges in their efforts to achieve academic, social, and economic mobility for all residents. The Council’s New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development builds statewide industry, education, and labor partnerships that align education and training with the needs of a changing economy.
Contacts
Karen Imas
Senior External Affairs Manager
