MARCO and its Offshore Wind Regional Collaboration Work Group hosted the first edition of their fall webinar series on offshore wind workforce development on Sept. 18. The series features speakers from academic partners, state agencies, and industry leaders who share their goals and efforts for helping to bolster local and regional workforce and supply chains.
Atlantic Cape Community College broke ground on Oct. 28, 2021, on the Wind Training Center at the Worthington Atlantic City (N.J.) campus as part of a $2.9 million state grant to grow the state’s offshore wind industry. Currently, Atlantic Cape operates the Wind Training Center, which offers Global Wind Organization (Onshore) Basic Safety Training.
Atlantic Cape Senior Director for Workforce Development Sherwood L. Taylor joined us to discuss the training offered at the Wind Training Center. During our conversation, Taylor shared his insights on the importance of training programs for offshore wind and renewable energy industries. He also described Atlantic Cape’s efforts to expand offshore wind and renewable energy training program offerings, and addressed the vital role played by community colleges related to community engagement in building trust and providing career information.
Speaker Bio
Sherwood L. Taylor is the senior director of workforce development at Atlantic Cape Community College with over 28 years of experience. He leads a supervisory team of 10 directors, assistant directors, and managers. His experience includes classroom instruction, marketing, recruitment, sales, and program and grant development. Currently, Taylor leads a division that includes the Casino Career Institute, the Health Professions Institute, Paramedic Science and EMT Training, Workforce Solutions (training solutions for businesses and organizations), Culinary Arts and Cooking Training, Retail, Customer Service and Hospitality Programs, Professional and Community Education, Career Services and Experienced-based Learning, and the Center for Transition Success. Most recently, Atlantic Cape was awarded an New Jersey Economic Development Authority grant to develop and operate a GWO Basic Safety Training Program that will be part of Atlantic Cape’s Workforce Development Offerings. Taylor is responsible for developing and managing 10-15 annual grants and contracts. He holds an MBA and a Graduate Certificate from Capella University.