By John Lyon
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — A $4.8 million federal grant will help train Arkansas workers for green jobs, the state Department of Workforce Services says.
The grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor and funded through the federal stimulus package, will fund the development of a program to train Arkansans in energy-efficient building, construction and retrofitting; renewable electric power; and energy-efficiency assessment.
The newly created Arkansas Energy Sector Partnership, which includes representatives of several state agencies, colleges, nonprofits and energy-efficient and renewable energy industries, will develop and implement the program.
“We’re in the process of working with all the partners and getting the program developed. We hope to have it up and running by the fall,” said Kimberly Friedman, a spokeswoman for the Department of Workforce Services.
The partnership plans to recruit 2,800 Arkansans for the first group of trainees. Recruiters will target disadvantaged groups such as high school dropouts, former prison inmates, dislocated workers and people who live in counties hit hard by the downturn in the auto industry, such as Cleburne, Desha, Greene and Logan counties.
The state’s 22 two-year colleges and seven apprenticeship programs will develop the curriculum for the program.
Participants may be trained in the classroom, on the job, through existing apprenticeship programs or via technology-based learning.
“This U.S. Department of Labor grant will enable the partners to develop a system of training that reflects industry needs, as established businesses begin to implement green practices and as new green industries develop,” said DWS Director Artee Williams.
After participants complete the training, the department will assist with job placement. Winrock International will provide services such as child care and transportation to those who qualify.
Plans call for the colleges and apprenticeship programs to continue providing the training as part of their regular offerings after the grant money is exhausted.
“We don’t plan on turning off the light switch when the money runs out. We’re developing a program that is ongoing,” Friedman said.
