FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact:
Date: July 15, 2009 Kate Plourd (617) 626-1809
kate.plourd@state.ma.us
Robert Keough (617) 626-1109
robert.keough@state.ma.us Patrick Administration Announces Selection of Springfield Technical Community College for Statewide Energy Efficiency Skills Training Initiative Chosen through a competitive bid process, college will coordinate seven regional green workforce training programs around Massachusetts
BOSTON – Springfield Technical Community College will serve as a hub for a statewide network of programs to develop, train and maintain a cutting edge “green” workforce that will speed the growth of the Commonwealth’s energy efficiency sector while expanding job opportunities for citizens, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (CEC) announced today.
The CEC awarded Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) a three-year $1.87 million contract to coordinate energy efficiency workforce training programs under the Center’s Energy Efficiency and Building Science Skills Initiative. STCC will be a statewide clearinghouse for energy efficiency training activities, materials and services, while coordinating job training at regional centers based at STCC as well as Roxbury, Berkshire, Bristol, North Shore, Greenfield, and Quinsigamond Community Colleges.
Funded with a portion of carbon allowance permit revenues under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and other monies, the program will ensure that Massachusetts has the quantity and quality of workers needed to reach Governor Patrick’s ambitious energy efficiency goals.
“I am pleased to announce the selection of Springfield Technical Community College to lead the state’s energy efficiency workforce training effort,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles, who chairs the CEC’s board of directors. “This new Initiative will nurture the growth of a major new industry in Massachusetts, while also making the most of new job opportunities in weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades created by federal stimulus funding.”
Working with energy service companies such as the Center for Ecological Technology and Conservation Services Group, STCC will have overall management responsibility for developing clean energy curricula and certification standards, and will deploy pilot programs to jumpstart energy efficiency training opportunities in the initial months of its contract. Through the network of regional training centers, STCC will target two primary audiences: building contractors and unemployed trades people looking to gain new green building skills; and unskilled or under-skilled workers who will perform work for contractors. An energy efficiency training equipment “lending library” will be established at each regional training center, and STCC will offer business development assistance to contractors and sub-contractors interested in business start-up and expansion.
“This effort positions the Commonwealth as a leader in the energy efficiency market through the deployment of a highly trained workforce ready to take on projects that will lead to dramatic reduction of energy consumption, lower energy bills, and a stronger clean energy economy,” Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Philip Giudice said.
“I’m excited that Springfield Technical Community College has been chosen to lead the Massachusetts Energy Efficiency Skills Initiative, a new center that will train individuals for the growing residential energy field,” said Dr. Ira H. Rubenzahl, President of STCC. “In partnership with all 14 of our sister community colleges, as well as labor and business groups, we will develop a skilled workforce to promote energy efficiency and independence in Massachusetts.”
Created by the Green Jobs Act of 2008, the CEC’s mission is to foster growth of the Massachusetts clean energy industry through seed grants to companies, universities, and nonprofit organizations; job training programs; and workforce development grants such as the one announced today.
“The Energy Efficiency and Building Skills Initiative promises to fill gaps in the state’s energy efficiency workforce size and development – providing the resources necessary to allow the Commonwealth’s clean energy sector to continue growing at a rapid pace,” CEC Interim Executive Director Patrick Cloney said. “Springfield Technical Community College has proposed delivery of a rigorous workforce development program that will enable Massachusetts residents to qualify for skilled jobs in an exciting and expanding field.”
STCC’s contract with the CEC runs from July 2009 through August 2012. For additional information about the CEC, click here.
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