The U.S. Department of Labor announced $150 million in grants Wednesday for green jobs training, using money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The Pathways out of Poverty grants will fund training programs designed to help underserved populations realize economic self-sufficiency through employment in the renewable energy or energy-efficiency sectors.
"Green jobs present tremendous opportunities for people who have the core skills and competencies needed in such well-paying and rapidly growing industries as energy efficiency and renewable energy," said Secretary of Energy Hilda L. Solis.
The Labor Department will distribute of 38 grants earmarked for work-readiness, basic skills and occupational skills training; referral and recruitment services; supportive services to help unemployed people overcome barriers to employment; and other services. The training programs will offer certifications, as well as on-the-job training leading to employment.
These new grant come under a larger American Recovery and Reinvestment Act measure passed in February designed to promote employment and energy efficiency. Congress approved a total of $500 million under the Recovery Act to support workforce development programs geared toward careers in the energy efficacy sector.
"These Pathways Out of Poverty grants will help workers in disadvantaged communities gain access to the good, safe and prosperous jobs of the 21st century green economy," said Solis.
Unemployment remains elevated nationwide, even after the economy grew in the last few months of 2009. The unemployment rate stayed unchanged in December at 10 percent after peaking at 10.2 percent in October. Rising fuel costs could help make the employment situation even worse in the coming months as firms continue to cut costs.