The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded NeighborWorks member Community Housing Partners (CHP) $3.8 million to teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. The grant is part of nearly $100 million being allocated by the Department of Labor to 25 projects across the nation.CHP, which is based in Christianburg, VA, is the lead applicant and grant administrator for a collaborative partnership in the region called CREATES — Construction, Retrofitting and Energy-Efficiency Assessment Training and Employment Systems. The partners include Virginia Tech, NewVA Corridor Technology Council, New River Community College, Wytheville Community College, Virginia Western Community College, New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board, and the Western Virginia Workforce Development Board.
Together, the partners will use the funds to upgrade regional training capacities, develop and implement new curriculum components, offer appropriate energy conservation certification opportunities, and provide preferred education to upgrade the skills of construction and retrofitting industry workers in order to help them compete in cutting-edge green building occupations.
"Today'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 of Labor Hilda L. Solis on January 6, when the announcement was made. "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."
“This important funding will lead program participants to job placement while also promoting smart, sustainable energy use that will have a positive long-term impact for generations to come,” said CHP’s President and CEO Janaka Casper.
