Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, U.S. Senators for Colorado, today announced that the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment would receive a $5,998,050 State Energy Sector Training Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The funding will be used to train Colorado workers on the essential skills for emerging industries, especially the green energy sector.
“The State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants will help workers gain access to good jobs, while supporting the sort of statewide energy efficiency strategies that play a crucial role in building the green economy of the 21st century,” Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said.
The funding is part of the third set of green grants the Department of Labor has awarded this month; investment in green jobs and workers by the Department has already reached $440 million. The State Energy Training Partnership is part of a $500 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) initiative to fund workforce development in energy efficiency industries to promote economic growth.
“One of the biggest hurdles we face in the new, clean energy economy is ensuring the workforce has the background and skills to fill the jobs that are being created,” Senator Udall said. “This grant is great news for 1,200 Colorado workers, who just need the right training or experience so they can get a foot in the door and secure a job in the renewable energy sector.”
“I am thrilled that 1,200 Coloradans will soon receive the education and training they need to enter this growing sector and build new careers while furthering sustainable technologies,” Bennet said. “This grant will give our state a major boost in our push to become an American leader in the green energy field.”