Alex Bullen Coutts, the Executive Director of ACE MV, joined the organization at a crucial time as it was nearing the end of its third cycle of funding. Under her leadership, ACE MV has secured an Equity Planning and Capacity Grant aimed at advancing green jobs and infrastructure, with a particular focus on HVAC technicians, solar energy specialists, and energy logic experts. The funding, which was approved this summer, will support a year-long initiative to identify workforce needs and launch essential training programs in emerging green technologies, beginning with foundational courses in electricity.
One of the primary goals of ACE MV’s work is to strengthen partnerships with employers and local communities as part of the transition to sustainable energy. By collaborating with local high schools, towns, and organizations like Vineyard Power, ACE MV is working to promote career paths in the green economy. Their efforts include hosting career nights and educating students and parents about alternatives to traditional college routes. Moving forward, ACE MV will focus on assessing employer demands, working on building codes, and expanding educational opportunities to meet the needs of the evolving clean energy sector.
This work directly supports Climate Action Plan (CAP) Economic Resilience Goal #1: By 2040, we have in place the framework to adapt the Vineyard economy with the diversification, resilience, and sustainability needed to meet the Island’s challenges and opportunities from climate change.
- Action 3.3: Offer programs (with an emphasis on vulnerable populations) that lead to high-climate-priority job credentials.
