In September of last year, The National Training Fund (NTF), with support from the IMPACT grant writing consultant GSP Consulting, submitted a grant application to the Department of Labor (DOL). Nearly $100 million in green jobs training grants were slated to be authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) in the beginning of 2010. January 6th the DOL announced the list of successful applicants which included the NTF's grant for $1.9 million.

The DOL grants as a whole will support job training programs to help dislocated workers and others, including veterans, women, African Americans and Latinos, find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.

"The DOL's announcement is part of the administration's long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic revitalization and a clean energy future. It's an investment that will help American workers succeed while doing good," said Secretary Solis. "Our outstanding award recipients were selected because their proposed projects will connect workers to career pathways in green industries and occupations through critical, diverse partnerships."

Training activities funded through this grant program will be individually tailored based on occupations and skills identified as in demand in local areas around the country.

Grant recipients are expected to work in conjunction with a diverse range of partners, including labor organizations, employers and workforce investment boards. Bringing together the workforce expertise of these groups will allow grantees to develop programs that are responsive to the needs of both workers and employers, and that provide participants with the support needed to successfully complete training. The grantees will utilize these partnerships to design and distribute training approaches that lead to portable industry credentials and employment, including career opportunities in registered apprenticeship programs.

These grants are part of a larger Recovery Act initiative—totaling $500 million—to fund workforce development projects that promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.

The grant awarded to the NTF will help fund necessary safety and skill training in the wind turbine erection and maintenance market. Although Ironworkers have been erecting wind turbines for many years, there is a growing need for worker certifications in several areas including tower climbing and rescue as well as torque and tension training. The grant award will help equip and train local union 433 Los Angeles CA, 444 Joliet IL, 6 Buffalo NY, 263 Dallas / Ft. Worth TX and 27 Salt Lake City UT training centers with the tools and equipment needed to begin conducting wind turbine training. Two instructors from each training center will receive train-the-trainer training, and over two years conduct this training and issue industry recognized third party certifications for approximately 500 Ironworkers.