Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, green jobs have become a priority at the U.S. Department of Labor.
From the site: On January 6, 2010, we announced $100 million in Energy Training Partnership Grants, as authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act). The grants will support green 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.
In November 2009, the Labor Department awarded $55 million in green training grants that will lead to green jobs and help communities across the nation spur economic recovery and begin the process towards energy independence. 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 beginning of 2010.
Through the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agencies, DOL has co-hosted forums on ensuring safety within the green jobs industry and increased access to green jobs for persons with disabilities.
Secretary Solis believes that strong partnerships are the key to the country’s success in strengthening not just training programs but also employers and industries. That’s why the training initiatives at the Department of Labor frequently involve strong partnerships with community colleges, local businesses, and workforce development boards. These partnerships help prepare young people, displaced workers and even elderly workers for the economy of tomorrow. They are training workers for jobs in green occupations including weatherization experts, solar panel installers, energy auditors and hybrid automobile experts. In short, they are making good jobs — that are safe, secure, green and pay family-supporting wages for more and more Americans.
Announcements About Green Jobs
- January 6, 2010: U.S. Department of Labor Announces $100 Million in Green Jobs Training Grants through Recovery Act
- December 16, 2009: Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels’ Remarks on “Making Green Jobs Safe:
Integrating Occupational Safety & Health into Green and Sustainability” - November 18, 2009: U.S. Department of Labor Announces Nearly $55 Million in Green Jobs Training Grants through Recovery Act
Source: US Dept. of Labor
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