February 09, 2010
For Immediate Release:
CONTACT: Steve Bekofsky, Director
Linn, Benton, Lincoln Workforce Investment Board
Ph: (541) 758-2605 / E-mail:
sbekofsky@communityservices.us
The Linn, Benton and
Lincoln Workforce Investment Board Receives Grant for Weatherization Training
Corvallis, OR— The Linn, Benton, Lincoln Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has received a $450,000 grant from the Federal Department of Labor to recruit dislocated workers and youth to enter training in the weatherization and home retrofit industries. The grant money is part of the State Energy Sector Partnership grants, made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as part of a $500 million nation-wide initiative to promote economic growth by preparing workers for careers in the energy efficiency industries.
“Community Services Consortium (CSC) will provide
the training in collaboration with two local community colleges, the Oregon
Energy Coordinators Association, and Northwest Energy Education Institute,”
said Steve Bekofsky, Director of Linn, Benton, Lincoln Workforce Investment
Board. “We are excited to work with Community
Services Consortium and project team members to train for jobs in a high-growth
industry.
One
hundred seventy five individuals will be recruited for training in the weatherization
and home retrofit industries. The training results in a number of
certifications and prepares workers for occupations in energy efficiency and
renewable energy such as Weatherization;
Energy Auditors; Energy Analyst; HVAC; Air Sealing/Duct Sealing; Energy
Education; General Construction/Carpenter; New Construction/Remodeling;
Insulation; Window Installers; Roofers; and Painters.
“Our
Weatherization Training Program has accomplished a great deal in less than one
year of operation,” said Clay Martin, CSC Workforce & Education
Director. “We are looking forward to
working with all of our partners on this new project.”
The Workforce Investment Board will be
forming a “Green Jobs Council” to monitor this project. Potential members
of the Green Jobs Council include: Linn-Benton Community College, the
Oregon Employment Department, Albany Millersburg Economic Development, Economic
Development Alliance, Lane Community College, Oregon Energy Coordinators
Association Training and Technical Assistance Committee, and the Oregon
Southern Idaho Laborers-Employers Training Trust.
The Linn, Benton, Lincoln Workforce Investment Board (WIB) is a public-private,
business-led organization dedicated to providing and maintaining a high quality
workforce in the region. The WIB’s membership includes representatives of
private business, state agencies, local government, community organizations and
organized labor. The WIB oversees the WorkSource Centers and contracts with
Community Services Consortium to provide services to adult job seekers,
dislocated workers and youth aged 14-24. Additional information about the WIB
can be found at: http://www.region4wib.org.