United Way of Long Island received $250,000 from Bank of America to pilot a new workforce development program ‘Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables.’ The training will lay the foundation and create a pathway for participants to secure careers in the renewable energy industry. It will simultaneously advance economic mobility, as well as help shape the future of employment in our region’s energy sector.
‘Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables’ will operate out of United Way’s E3 SmartBuild Training Center, complete with a portable prototype wind turbine. With a 50-hour education curriculum and internships, participants will receive the required technical, functional and soft skills that will lead to employment in the renewables and green construction sectors.
Key to the success of the program will be the integration of training and on-the-job work experiences. Through partnerships with leaders in the green industry, engaging field trips, tours and onsite visits will be critical to allowing participants to gain knowledge and insight into the multitude of career opportunities that are available.
“Bank of America is committed to accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, sustainable economy,” said Robert Isaksen, President, Bank of America Long Island. “By supporting the United Way of Long Island’s latest initiative, participants will gain valuable education and work experience to put them on a better path to having a successful career and help build a more sustainable, clean energy community for Long Islanders.”
The grant will provide training for 100 students including youth, veterans, unemployed workers and those seeking new careers leading to employment in the offshore wind industry (OSW), renewable/sustainable, smart grid and green construction industries. Harnessing the talent of “opportunity youth” (ages 18 – 24), ‘Power Up Wind, Solar & Renewables’ will interface United Way’s YouthBuild program as an on-the-job training site for young adults.
“Long Island continues to become the offshore wind capital of the country, which will spur economic growth and create good-paying jobs to help keep young people here,” said Matthew Cohen, President and CEO, Long Island Association. “Bank of America’s investment will allow the United Way to prepare a diverse population for careers in this burgeoning industry, maximizing the benefits of the planned wind farms off our coast.”
News item from UW of LI
Filed Under: News
