About Us

Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

A Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Social Media

Bluesky • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube

Meet the Laser Focus World Team

Editorial

Sales

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology
My Watchlist
Indicators
Industrial Laser Index
Markets
Stocks
ETFs
Tools
Markets:
Overview
News
Currencies
International
Treasuries

Ameresco’s New Empowered Futures: 2024 Clean Energy Career Report Reveals Gen Z and Millennial Demand for Impact-Driven Careers

By: via Business Wire

Nearly 9 in 10 young workers say aligning their careers with their values is essential, but potential roadblocks could keep them from joining the renewable energy industry

Ameresco, Inc., (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, today published its inaugural Empowered Futures: 2024 Clean Energy Career Report, which reveals that Millennials and Gen Z — who now make up nearly 45% of the workforce in the U.S. — are prioritizing values-driven work as they chart their career path. In the report, nearly 90% of respondents said that knowing their work makes a difference is essential, and over 4 out of 5 emphasized the importance of giving back through their jobs in addition to competitive pay.

Key Findings

  • Demand for Impact: 88% of young workers say their careers need to align with their values.
  • Misconceptions Persist: Over half of respondents believe they need an engineering (55%) or science degree (54%) to pursue a career in clean energy, highlighting a need for better education on the diverse roles within the sector.
  • Confusion About Clean Energy: When asked what comes to mind first about clean energy jobs, 23% mentioned types of energy, 22% mentioned employment, 20% mentioned the environment, and 8% mentioned cleaning—revealing a lack of understanding of what clean energy careers truly involve.
  • Ready for Clean Energy: 74% of Millennials and Gen Z say developing skills for a clean energy career would not be difficult.

This report comes at a pivotal moment for the clean energy sector, which is experiencing rapid growth. According to the Department of Energy, jobs in clean energy grew more than twice the rate of overall U.S. employment, with salaries averaging 25% higher than the national median. However, the industry faces a shortage of skilled workers necessary to meet ambitious sustainability goals.

Clear Demand for Impact, Yet Barriers Remain

Despite this clear demand for meaningful work, the survey reveals widespread misconceptions about the qualifications needed for clean energy careers.

More than 50% of Generation Z and Millennials mistakenly believe that a background in engineering or science is essential to pursue a career in clean energy, overlooking the diverse opportunities available in this rapidly growing field. This misconception highlights the need for greater awareness about the variety of roles that contribute to the clean energy sector, many of which do not require specialized degrees. By broadening the understanding of career paths in clean energy, we can attract a more diverse and inclusive workforce, driving innovation and progress in this vital industry.

"This report highlights how clean energy careers can serve as the ultimate motivator for today’s ‘impact generations’ — offering the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on our communities and our planet," said Lenka Patten, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Ameresco. "However, we need to clarify the pathways into this industry and break down misconceptions to build the diverse workforce required to achieve our sustainability goals."

Clean Energy: A Sector Ready for Talent

The Empowered Futures: 2024 Clean Energy Career Report also found that the majority of Millennials and Gen Z feel positive about the prospect of working in the clean energy sector. More than 80% agree that working in clean energy would be a good career path, with nearly half of those respondents saying it “definitely would be.”

Ameresco remains committed to empowering the next generation of clean energy leaders by providing education and opportunities for impactful careers. The sector not only offers competitive wages but also serves as a platform for young professionals to contribute to solving pressing environmental challenges.

Methodology

Ameresco partnered with Regina Corso Consulting to conduct an online survey targeting Millennials and Gen Z in the U.S. The survey was conducted between August 20 and 26, 2024 and included responses from 600 individuals aged 18-43. Of those surveyed, 50% are considered Generation Z (ages 18-27), and 50% are considered Millennials (ages 28-43).

Download the Full Report

To access the complete findings of Ameresco's Empowered Futures: 2024 Clean Energy Career Report, visit [https://www.ameresco.com/empowered-futures-2024-clean-energy-careers-report].

About Ameresco, Inc.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC) is a leading cleantech integrator and renewable energy asset developer, owner and operator. Our comprehensive portfolio includes solutions that help customers reduce costs, decarbonize to net zero, and build energy resiliency while leveraging smart, connected technologies. From implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades to developing, constructing, and operating distributed energy resources – we are a trusted sustainability partner. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving, environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments, utilities, healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA, Ameresco has more than 1,500 employees providing local expertise in North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.ameresco.com.

Contacts

More News

View More
Microsoft 365 Premium Marks the Next Phase of AI Monetization
Via MarketBeat
Topics Artificial Intelligence
Tickers MSFT
Could Target’s Week of Discounts Come Full Circle for Investors?
Via MarketBeat
Topics Economy
Tickers AAPL GE TGT WMT
3 Reasons to Buy Sprouts Farmers Market Ahead of Earnings
Via MarketBeat
Tickers SFM
Bassett Furniture: Buy Now, Sit Back, and Collect Dividends
Via MarketBeat
Tickers BSET ETD HVT
AST SpaceMobile's Big Win: Shares Soar on New Deal With Verizon
Via MarketBeat
Tickers ASTS JOBY RGTI T VOD VZ
Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.