REV2025: Developing and Supporting New Workers in Renewables
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Sponsored by Encore Renewable Energy
Emerald Ballroom
Learn about current workforce issues and solutions for the renewables sector. We will hear about how changes at the federal level are impacting Vermont employers and employees, employment data at the state level, and opportunities for worker training and support here in Vermont.
Moderator: Cara Robechek, EAN
Cara Robechek is the Deputy Director and Network Manager for Energy Action Network, working with network members and partners to expand the collective impact on clean energy action and emissions reduction in Vermont. Cara came to EAN from Vermont Energy Education Program (VEEP), where she was the Executive Director from 2014 to 2021. Before her work at VEEP, she spent eight years teaching courses such as Environmental Communication, Environmental Economics, Current Environmental Issues, and Children, Health, and Environment for Community College of Vermont, Johnson State College, and the University of Vermont.
Speakers
Rebecca Ellis, Office of Senator Peter Welch
Rebecca joined the office of Senator Peter Welch, then Congressman, as state director in 2019. She previously worked as deputy commissioner and senior advisor at the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (2015-2019); Vermont State Representative (2011-2015); and Vermont Assistant Attorney General (1997-2011). She served on the Waterbury Select Board (2006-2014) and the Waterbury Planning Commission (2001-2006); and led the town’s long-term recovery efforts from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011-12. She has degrees from Harvard (B.A. 1986), Princeton (M.P.A. 1991), and Georgetown (J.D. 1996). For the past two years Rebecca has been honored to serve as Waterbury Town Moderator.
Tom Longstreth, ReSOURCE
Tom Longstreth has been Executive Director of ReSOURCE since 1996, and has overseen substantial organizational growth, program improvements, and the startup of new social enterprises. Today, the organization employs about ninety staff, annually serves close to 250 trainees, and operates in four store and training locations that work to protect the environment while serving the community. Tom has worked tirelessly to establish ReSOURCE as a well-respected and reliable organization that is devoted to serving the needs of the people of Vermont.
Jay Ramsey, Vermont Department of Labor
Jay Ramsey serves as the Director of the Vermont Department of Labor’s employment and training programs. As a workforce warrior, he leads statewide strategy to connect Vermonters with good jobs, supporting those with barriers to employment and advancement, and helping employers build the talent pipelines they need—especially in fast-growing sectors like renewable energy, construction, and health care. Jay has spent his career advancing registered apprenticeships, advocating for career technical education, and most recently he has started leading and inspiring efforts to connect those involved in service programs to the workforce areas most in need, ensuring that service experience becomes a bridge to long-term opportunity.