Approximately 3,000 veterans to benefit from more than $7.5 million in U.S. Department of Labor employment training grants emphasizing green jobs

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced 17 grants, totaling more than $7.5 million dollars, to provide approximately 3,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor's Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP).

"No one pays a higher price for our freedom than our veterans, and I am committed to providing them the job training and re-employment assistance they need and deserve," said Secretary Solis. "These grants will provide our veterans with tools and skills that will ensure they are prepared for the green jobs of today and tomorrow."

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 and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

Emphasis will be placed on training veterans who are interested in "green jobs" now in the marketplace or expected soon. Fields of employment include energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric-power development and clean vehicles. To view more information about this initiative, visit http://www.doleta.gov and look for the "green jobs" heading.

The VWIP grants will help veterans from targeted groups overcome employment barriers and ease their transition into unsubsidized jobs. Through this program, veterans receive skills assessments; individual job counseling; labor-market information; classroom or on-the-job training; skills upgrading and retraining; and placement assistance and follow-up services. The Labor Department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service expects these grants to provide training for more than 3,000 veterans, who may also be eligible for services through other Workforce Investment Act programs for economically disadvantaged or dislocated workers.

Grantees under this program network and coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers. More information on the Labor Department's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans is available at http://www.dol.gov/vets/.

Editor's Note: A list of VWIP grants is below.

VWIP Grantees beginning Program Year 2009 Grant Active Performance Period: July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010