FDLTCC awarded Minnesota State Energy Sector Partnership ‘Green Training’ grant

The Minnesota State Energy Sector Partnership (MSESP) has awarded 14 green grants totaling more than $1.1 million to train Minnesotans for jobs in energy efficiency and the renewable energy industry, the Governor’s Workforce Development Council (GWDC) has announced.

The energy sector partnership is an initiative of the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, a 31-member body that analyzes and recommends workforce development policies to the governor and Legislature to ensure a globally competitive workforce for Minnesota.

“These 14 critical investments will strengthen our energy economy and build training and talent development partnerships to meet industry needs in Minnesota,” said Cyndi Lesher, chair of GWDC and co-chair of the energy sector partnership.

“The grants exhibit innovation and collaboration,” added Inez Wildwood, co-chair of the energy sector partnership. “As a result, a well-trained workforce will have access to sustainable career pathways for the emerging green economy.”

The grantees included Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, in partnership with Common Grounds Construction LLC and others, who were awarded $100,000 to provide Building Performance training for BPI certification.

MSESP is funded by a three-year, $6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to provide training, job placement and related activities in the energy-efficient building, construction and retrofit industries; the renewable electric power industry; and the biofuels industry.

Partnership members include representatives from energy efficiency and renewable energy business and industries, GWDC, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Office of Energy Security, representatives from apprenticeship and veterans agencies, labor organizations, state legislators, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and economic development organizations.

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