The Private Industry Council is Awarded a $2.7 Million
Federal Stimulus Grant to Support "Green" Job Training

January 13, 2010, Washington, D.C. - Congressman John P. Murtha (PA-12) announced today that the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. has been awarded a $2,733,719 federal stimulus grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand job training services in Fayette County. The Private Industry Council obtained this funding through a competitive RFP process, and was one of only 38 grantees awarded nationally.

In response to public and private investment in the green economy and preliminary research on green occupational growth in Pennsylvania, the Private Industry Council has identified three major industries for job training programs - the energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit industries; the renewable electric power industry; and the energy efficiency assessment industry servicing residential, commercial, or industrial sectors. The grant will enable the Private Industry Council to provide training and placement services to individuals seeking pathways out of poverty and into employment within the energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. The program will integrate basic skills and work-readiness training with occupational skills training, combined with supportive services The Private Industry Council has partnered with several key stakeholders for the administration of the project. These stakeholders will combine to create the Fay-West United Green Alliance, an advisory board with the mission to create a vibrant and productive green economy, taking full advantage what the region has to offer and building capacity to serve industry stakeholders as well as prospective workers.

"The Private Industry Council does a marvelous job of providing career training and workforce development services to residents in Westmoreland and Fayette Counties," commented Murtha. "This federal stimulus grant will expand upon these successful efforts, and prepare our local workforce to be proficient and competitive in the green energy jobs of the future."

"With the increase in unemployment figures, it is imperative that we develop the skills necessary for green energy jobs" said Tim Yurcisin, president of the Private Industry Council. "New technologies and the Marcellus Shale rush provide hope for a strong future for Fayette County. We applaud Congressman Murtha and the Department of Labor for their vision to bring this program to our area."

"These 'Pathways Out of Poverty' grants will help workers in disadvantaged communities gain access to the good, safe and prosperous jobs of the 21st Century green economy," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Green jobs present tremendous opportunities for people who have the core skills and competencies needed in such well-paying and rapidly growing industries as energy efficiency and renewable energy."