< Previous | Contents | Next >
Support and Engage with the American Climate Corps
The American Climate Corps, launching in 2024, presents a significant opportunity for the IAM to shape the future of the clean energy workforce. This program aims to train young people for careers in key climate-related sectors.360 The IAM should work to ensure Climate Corps participants have organizing rights and clear paths to good union careers.
The IAM can track the Climate Corps' development by monitoring outcomes and maintaining communication with federal agencies.361 This will help identify opportunities for involvement and advocacy. Collaboration with federal agencies should focus on securing organizing rights for
357 Streep, “America Needs Wildland Firefighters More Than Ever, but Attrition Is At Record Levels.”
359 National Federation of Federal Employees, IAMAW, AFL-CIO and IAMAW, AFL- CIO.
participants and advocating for strong career pathways, including transitions to union jobs in the clean energy economy. The IAM could even explore arrangements like direct entry–common in the building and construction trades–that provide Climate Corps members an accelerated pathway into IAM-sponsored training and job placement opportunities.
Given past challenges with low stipends in AmeriCorps programs,362 the IAM should push for competitive compensation that reflects the demanding nature of Climate Corps work. For example, Emergency Response Team Members and SolarCorps Construction Fellows face challenging conditions requiring specialized skills, warranting better financial support and pathways into union careers.363 The IAM can also explore integrating its training and apprenticeship programs with the Climate Corps curriculum. This could provide participants with valuable skills and union exposure while addressing the growing demand for climate-related workers.364
Equity should play a central role in the IAM's Climate Corps engagement. The union can advocate for stipends and benefits that enable inclusive recruitment, support culturally competent training, and encourage placement of Corps members in underserved communities.365 To inform these efforts, the IAM can study models like the NYS Climate Justice Fellows and analyze outcomes from AmeriCorps programs. Research suggests program design elements like service duration maximize positive impacts on participants.366
Through these efforts, the IAM can help shape a new generation of climate and clean energy workers while ensuring strong labor standards and equitable access to these emerging careers.