ETA News Release: [01/06/2010]
Contact Name: Lina Garcia or
Michael Trupo
Phone Number: (202) 693-4661 or x3414
Release Number:
09-1526-NAT
US Department of Labor announces $100 million in green jobs
training grants through Recovery Act
WASHINGTON -- Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today
announced nearly $100 million in green jobs training grants, as authorized by
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The grants
will support job training programs to help dislocated workers and others,
including veterans, women, African Americans and Latinos, find jobs in expanding
green industries and related occupations. Approximately $28 million of the total
funds will support projects in communities impacted by auto industry
restructuring.
Through the Energy Training Partnership Grants being administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, 25 projects
ranging from approximately $1.4 to $5 million each will receive grants. These
grants are built on strategic partnerships — requiring labor and business to
work together.
"Today's announcement is part of the administration's long-term commitment to
fostering both immediate economic revitalization and a clean energy future. It's
an investment that will help American workers succeed while doing good," said
Secretary Solis. "Our outstanding award recipients were selected because their
proposed projects will connect workers to career pathways in green industries
and occupations through critical, diverse partnerships."
Training activities funded through this grant program will be individually
tailored based on occupations and skills identified as in demand in local areas
around the country. Training programs will seek to prepare workers for a range
of careers including: hybrid/electric auto technicians, weatherization
specialists, wind and energy auditors, and solar panel installers.
Grant recipients are expected to work in conjunction with a diverse range of
partners, including labor organizations, employers and workforce investment
boards. Bringing together the workforce expertise of these groups will allow
grantees to develop programs that are responsive to the needs of both workers
and employers, and that provide participants with the support needed to
successfully complete training. The grantees will utilize these partnerships to
design and distribute training approaches that lead to portable industry
credentials and employment, including career opportunities in registered
apprenticeship programs.
These grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative — totaling $500
million — to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by
preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy
industries. The Department of Labor expects to release funding for two remaining
green grant award categories over the next several weeks.
For a full listing and project description of each grant recipient, visit http://www.doleta.gov. To view a video or
listen to radio actualities (in English and Spanish) with introductions to the
green jobs training grants by Secretary Solis, visit http://www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/grants.
Editor's Note: Charts reflecting the grantees announced
today is below.
