The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a new $24 million funding opportunity from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to further expand the existing Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) network. The initiative aims to engage more union training programs, community colleges, and trade schools in supporting workforce training programs that focus on clean energy jobs which do not require a four-year degree.
According to a press release by DOE, the DOE Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC), with support from the DOE Office of Energy Justice and Equity (EJE), will finance various workforce training institutions. These range from community and technical colleges to union training programs and industrial apprenticeships. The initiatives are designed to prepare individuals for careers in clean energy, energy efficiency, and advanced manufacturing without the necessity of a four-year degree. Additionally, the funding will assist small and midsized manufacturers (SMMs) in enhancing efficiency, reducing energy waste, and increasing productivity. ENERGYWERX will oversee this call for proposals as DOE's Partnership Intermediary and aid applicants.
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said in a press release by DOE: "When it comes to building up the nation’s workforce, there is no doubt that a clean energy transition means developing new, exciting opportunities." She added: "More than half of the jobs created by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda won’t require college degrees—great news for anyone considering a career in the vast clean energy sector."
As per information available on the IAC webpage provided by DOE, The Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) Program aims to promote a diverse clean energy and manufacturing workforce while bolstering the manufacturing sector's role in the global transition to clean energy. It facilitates energy assessments, facility improvements, and workforce development initiatives. Targeting small- to medium-sized manufacturers, universities, career institutions, and individuals seeking employment and training opportunities, the program offers essential resources and support to advance these objectives.
