OFA Webinar: Engaging TANF Participants in the Green Economy

While the U.S. economy has changed significantly in recent years, little information exists on the size and development of the “green economy.” The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) defines green jobs broadly as those that encompass work in conservation, regulation, and decarbonization, including job classifications in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and environmental management. Some suggest that green jobs can offer higher and more equitable wages than many other sectors; for example, mean hourly wages in green jobs exceed national averages by 8 to 19 percent. With a potential for higher paying and more equitable job opportunities for low-income families and workers, education and workforce systems have taken note. As systems such as post-secondary institutions and registered apprenticeships begin to prepare students and workers for green jobs, they also offer new areas of growth and opportunity for basic assistance programs, including Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), to connect customers to employment and training opportunities that are in new and growing green employment sectors.

The Office of Family Assistance hosted a webinar on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 to explore green jobs and the opportunity for TANF customers to participate in the green economy. It featured subject matter experts who shared trends in the green economy as well as examples of green jobs programs, including those that engage TANF customers. Participants gained insights into how the green employment sector is growing and how this growth poses new opportunities for TANF and other assistance program customers.