Explanation:
The Recovery Act provided $750 million for competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industry sectors. Within this amount, $500 million is designated for worker training in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries as described in the Green Jobs Act of 2007. The energy efficiency and renewable energy industries offer workers new opportunities that may require additional training and certification. Through the Recovery Act, a number of other federal programs will receive large investments in programs and projects that could create "green jobs." These include investments in renewable energy infrastructure, energy-efficiency home retrofitting, biofuel development, and advanced drive train/vehicle development and manufacturing.
While occupational data collection on green jobs is ongoing and occurring in both the public and private sectors, there appears to be general consensus from the research that not all
8 "green jobs" are necessarily new or unique occupations, but represent "layers" of green skills upon existing occupations. For example, O*NET has identified a number of occupations that may be moderately impacted by "green" technologies. These may include, but are not limited to, power plant operators; electrical engineers; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanics and installers; and roofers and construction managers. Other occupations that have the potential for significant change and growth include, but are not limited to, wind turbine engineers; solar power plant operators; and wind turbine service technicians. Additional data collection will further inform the work of the workforce system at all levels.
Priority for the balance of funds is given to projects that prepare workers for careers in the health care sector. These funds are available through June 30, 2010, provided that a local board may award a contract to an institution of higher education or other eligible training provider if the local board determines that it would facilitate the training of multiple individuals in high-demand occupations.
|
