In the bustling world of clean energy and green careers, one name stands out as a pioneer in taking an AI and data-led approach to solving the talent needs of this transformative industry: Julius. The company's co-founders, Matt Evans (CEO) and Daniel Goldsmith (Chief Product Officer), have a vision to provide inclusive solutions and bridge the gap between job seekers and the green economy. The Julius team has built the leading platform that leverages AI and data to demystify green careers and create better learner experiences.
In a recent interview, Matt delved into the core motivations behind Julius, the company's mission to address the talent gap, and their partnership with the Accelerator at WGU Labs.
Tell us about Julius.
Julius is on a mission to address the talent needs of the clean energy transition by providing inclusive solutions to start and grow green careers. Through the power of AI and data, we’re making sense of the green labor market, building better learner experiences, and connecting job seekers with relevant jobs and career pathways.
What is the big problem in education that your company is helping to solve?
The green transition depends not only on technology but also on people. While projections suggest that the number of new green jobs could reach nine million by 2032, the stark reality is that a significant majority of energy companies, approximately 88%, are already struggling to find qualified candidates. Moreover, the green industries suffer from significant underrepresentation of women and people of color. Current training providers are unable to keep up with this talent gap, leaving companies and municipalities desperately searching for scalable, innovative solutions. Building the workforce required for the green economy has a quadruple bottom-line impact: enabling green transition goals, providing economic opportunities, supporting inclusivity, and addressing mission-critical hiring and skills needs.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimated that renewable energy employment could reach 42 million jobs globally by 2050, compared to 11 million jobs in 2018.
What first motivated you to build this company?
Julius was born from the combined passions and expertise of my co-founder Daniel and me. I had previously co-founded Imagine H₂O, a green technology accelerator in the water sector, while Daniel had a background in energy through academic research. However, our professional careers were primarily focused on education. We crossed paths while working as executives in Pearson's Online Learning Division, serving thousands of adults annually in online programs. We share a commitment to bringing digital learning innovations to critical industries and expanding access to diverse talent in green jobs. This motivated us to establish Julius, bridging the gap between education and the green workforce.
What do you hope to accomplish through your partnership with the Accelerator at WGU Labs?
Our partnership with the Accelerator at WGU Labs will help amplify and build upon the work that Julius has already begun. WGU Labs’ supporting ecosystem will accelerate our scale and impact on the green workforce. Together, we can enhance our go-to-market activities and product roadmap, allowing us to bring our solutions to more individuals, companies, and government agencies. This partnership enables us to create inclusive pathways for diverse job seekers to start and grow green careers, aligning with the shared commitment of our partners.
How do you see your company contributing to a more equitable higher ed?
Julius plays a crucial role in fostering a more equitable higher education system through three key contributions. Firstly, we remove barriers by providing equitable onramp pathways into higher education programs that align with participants' job and career aspirations. This ensures that individuals have access to relevant and engaging educational opportunities. Secondly, we strengthen higher education outcomes by establishing defined pathway programs to employers for higher education graduates. By connecting educational institutions with industry needs, we bridge the gap between academia and real-world employment. Lastly, we drive alignment between higher education and industry, transforming the post-secondary system to better address the workforce needs of employers. Together, these efforts contribute to a more equitable higher education landscape, where individuals have equal access, improved career prospects, and enhanced opportunities for success.
What are you most excited about for the future of education?
The future of education holds immense potential, and we at Julius are thrilled about the possibilities it offers. With a skilled workforce, we can achieve our climate goals and create a sustainable future. Our excitement stems from the belief that AI and a data-first approach can deliver personalized, engaging, and inclusive pathways for more Americans into green jobs and careers. By leveraging the power of technology, we can unlock opportunities and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the green transition. Education is essential to this endeavor.
Empowering the Green Workforce of Tomorrow
Julius, under the leadership of CEO Matt Evans and COO and co-founder Daniel Goldsmith, is at the forefront of revolutionizing the clean energy job market. By leveraging AI, data, and a commitment to inclusivity, Julius is bridging the gap between education and the green economy, providing individuals with the tools and pathways they need to thrive in the rapidly expanding field of renewable energy. Julius’ dedication to creating equitable opportunities and addressing the talent gap reflects the company's broader mission to drive the clean energy transition forward. With their partnership with the Accelerator at WGU Labs, Julius is poised to scale their impact and unlock the full potential of education in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future. As we look ahead, we can be optimistic that through innovative solutions like Julius, the workforce of tomorrow will be equipped to drive the green transition and create a cleaner, more sustainable world for generations to come.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipated that employment in the renewable energy sector would grow faster than the average for all occupations.
Learn more about Julius at www.juliusedu.com.
