Kentucky has been awarded a $4.74 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor that will be used to teach more than 600 Kentuckians the skills required in emerging green industries including energy efficiency and renewable energy.
“This grant will provide valuable education and job training for Kentuckians in emerging green industries during a time of high unemployment,” said Gov. Steve Beshear. “In addition, this investment in Kentucky’s workforce will help position our state for the new high-growth jobs of the 21st century and make us a leader in the development of future green jobs.”
Kentucky will use the grant to focus on jobs in energy-efficient building, construction and retrofit, energy efficiency assessment, and renewable energy. Participants in the Cumberland and West Kentucky Workforce Investment Areas who are dislocated workers, unemployed individuals, out-of-school youth and veterans will have the opportunity to earn degrees and industry-recognized certification in green job industries including energy assessment, Smart Grid technology, chemical engineering, plumbing and pipefitting.
“As Kentucky begins to implement long-term energy solutions, new skills and competencies are necessary to ensure a green workforce is available,” said Joseph U. Meyer, the state’s acting secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. “Preparing a workforce that is ready to meet the demands of the growing energy efficiency and renewable energy fields will help Kentucky build a sound economic development foundation for future jobs in these industries.”
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