Brothers and Sisters,
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito have earmarked $300,000 for our members to train for jobs in the emerging clean energy sector as part of a green jobs initiative to prepare a workforce for new offshore wind farms.
The grants were announced last week as part of a $3.8 million workforce development package through the state’s Offshore Wind Works Program, which is administered through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). The program seeks to develop and implement innovative workforce training programs to increase access to clean energy careers, education, and training. Funding for the program was made available primarily through a new Offshore Wind Energy Career Training Trust Fund, as well as investments from Mayflower Wind and Vineyard Wind, both of which are in development.
The funds were issued to Local 7 Boston in partnership with Local 37 in Rhode Island and will be used to prepare our members for jobs in this emerging new industry.
The grant will allow Ironworkers Local 7 to enhance its ability to support members and recruit new workers into the trade while helping the Commonwealth fill gaps in the offshore wind workforce. The project will provide GWO certification and recertification for apprentices and/or journeypersons, including salary compensation for time taken off work during trainings. Ironworkers Local 7 also plans to purchase equipment to establish a Hytorc tool certification program at our Boston training facility.
This is an exciting opportunity for our members. We look forward to continued partnerships with public and private entities as the green energy industry takes hold in our region.
In Solidarity,
Mike Hess
Business Manager
Mike Doucette
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
Tom Pecoraro
President