Labor Dept. Awards $100M for Green Job Training

The U.S. Department of Labor is awarding $100 million in clean energy jobs training grants as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Today's announcement is part of the administration's long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic revitalization and a clean energy future," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "It's an investment that will help American workers succeed while doing good."

The Energy Training Partnership Grants will go to 25 projects built on "strategic partnerships" between business and labor interests that will "connect workers to career pathways in green industries and occupations[.]" They will also support job training programs for veterans, displaced workers, women, and communities of color.

Training funded through the program will be adapted to occupations and skills already present in regional work forces but geared to prepare workers for a wide range of jobs including "hybrid/electric auto technicians, weatherization specialists, wind and energy auditors, and solar panel installers."