US Labor Department awards $9 million in nationwide grants providing thousands of veterans with 'green' jobs training

WASHINGTON, June 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Raymond Jefferson, assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Employment and Training Service, today announced that 22 grants, totaling more than $9 million, are being awarded nationwide to provide thousands of veterans with green jobs training.

Jefferson said that the grants, provided under the department's Veterans' Workforce Investment Program, will "give an estimated 4,000 veterans who have served our country the opportunity to receive training on and participate in the growing renewable energy economy." Veterans will receive skills assessments, individual job counseling, labor market information, classroom or on-the-job training in green jobs, skills upgrading and retraining, placement assistance and crucial follow-up services.

The funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations.  These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served – particularly as they relate to veterans who are homeless, disabled or economically disadvantaged – and they have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs. These grants will serve veterans in 19 states and the District of Columbia.  

Projects that support President Barack Obama's commitment to "green energy jobs" and propose a clear strategy for training and employment in the renewable energy economy are considered unique and innovative and received priority consideration for these grants.

The Veterans' Employment and Training Service helps veterans, reservists, and National Guard members in securing employment and the rights and benefits associated with such through existing programs, the coordination and merger of programs, and the implementation of new programs. Services provided reflect the changing needs of employers and the eligible veterans population. More information can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.

EDITOR'S NOTE:  A list of grantees follows this release.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov.  The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor