$11M grant will boost maritime, clean energy jobs
The U.S. Economic Development Administration awarded $11 million to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council in Norfolk to make a training network that focuses on clean energy, cybersecurity and blue economy jobs.
The workforce council is one of 32 across the country to receive the two-year grant from the American Rescue Plan Act Good Jobs Challenge. It will benefit Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina. The workforce is finalizing the paperwork to receive the grant and does not have a start date for the training.
According to a news release, the program will connect companies and organizations to provide training in sectors such as offshore wind energy, and it plans to involve underrepresented communities and solidify career paths with historically Black colleges.
The grant will help revitalize sectors such as maritime and renewable energy, which have deep scars from the labor shortage during the pandemic.
The council plans to train 950 individuals in the maritime sector. It projects at least 750 will be guaranteed employment after they complete the program — the majority will be those with limited income or who are constrained financially.
The grant was spearheaded in Congress by Rep. Bobby Scott, who is also the chair of the House Education and Labor Committee. During a tour Wednesday of the Peninsula Workforce Development Center, Scott said the funding will help workers access more than entry-level jobs.
“This grant will help workers gain advanced skills that lead to longterm, rewarding careers and ensure businesses have skilled professionals on the job,” Scott said.
The council projects the first 950 trainees will only be the start. Shawn Avery, president and CEO of the council, said they plan to build upon programs that have shown success in preparing workers for new jobs.
Programs such as the Virginia Ship Repair Association and Marine Trades Training will be used in the program. Newport News Shipbuilding, Carter Machinery and Fairlead are three of the 19 companies that have pledged to hire new employees.
The Hampton Roads Alliance is another program to receive funds from the grant. Its program, CEDS, promotes small businesses, and those owned by women and people of color. It also invests in offshore wind energy, the manufacture of boats and maintaining a marine workforce.
Funding will also go to a similar North Carolina program, CREDS.
“If anyone wants to be part of the program, keep an eye on our website and there will be more information to come,” Avery said.