In response to Vice-President Biden's recent comments regarding green jobs training, the Union Iron Workers are anxiously awaiting the opportunity to install and maintain green energy projects in a safe and productive manner throughout the United States and Canada.

"Vice-President Biden is correct in stating that a well-trained workforce is required to successfully erect, install and maintain the promising green energy category. Our members are not only capable of successfully achieving this goal, but also in a position to immediately begin work on green and renewable energy projects as soon as the economic stimulus package is appropriated," said Joseph Hunt, General President of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers.

Iron Workers train in three and four-year programs that offer the opportunity for college credit towards an Associate's Degree and various opportunities for lifelong careers in the green energy sector. The national training curriculum also includes certification programs that ensure consistency and a high-level of instruction. Training includes learning techniques that focus on welding, placing and tying rebar, rigging of materials and equipment, structural steel erection, miscellaneous steel installation and ornamental ironworking to include installation and retrofit of glass curtain and window wall systems.

"Our union has been in existence for over one hundred years and during that time we have evolved into a centralized training operation that ensures a productive workforce for our contractors," said Hunt. "Our members are ready and able to work, well-trained and committed to improving the economic and operational success of those contractors we work with, especially in the green energy sector."