Governor Moore Announces $4.7 Million in Federal Funding to Strengthen Offshore Wind Workforce and Make Maryland More Competitive

ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 31, 2024) - Governor Wes Moore today announced $4.7 million in federal funding to provide training and job placement to grow Maryland's offshore wind workforce. The funding, made possible through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration Good Jobs Challenge, will help make Maryland more competitive by creating a skilled worker pipeline into Maryland's wind energy industry with a focus on building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

"Maryland is serious about offshore wind - and not just because of what it means for our environment: but also because of what it means for our economy," said Gov. Moore. "Investments in offshore wind will help us create jobs, raise wages, and grow wealth for Maryland families. We thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued partnership in this vital push to make Maryland more competitive for all."

The new grant opportunity is a part of the Maryland Department of Labor's Maryland Works for Wind initiative, which received $23 million in federal dollars in 2022 to build the state's wind industry. The project includes a partnership of employers, unions, Local Workforce Development Areas, business alliances, and training providers all working together in a sustainable energy ecosystem to increase Maryland's skilled talent for the wind industry.

Through Maryland Works for Wind, the Maryland Department of Labor demonstrates its commitment to drive economic development, connect historically underrepresented populations to good-paying careers, and build upon existing investments.

"We're excited to support additional partnerships to grow the workforce in key sectors that support offshore wind: manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and the skilled trades," said Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu. "These investments will help Maryland be a national leader in providing clean, renewable, and affordable energy for families and businesses."

The department's request for proposals is now open. Accepted grantees will provide workforce training, supportive services, and job placement assistance in occupations that support the offshore wind industry-including the skilled trades, manufacturing, transportation, and logistics. Given the mission of the Good Jobs Challenge, preference will be given to grant applicants who devise creative strategies for recruiting and serving traditionally underserved populations, including women and people of color.

"Offshore wind energy is a key component of Maryland's efforts to achieve 100 percent clean electricity by 2035," said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. "Increased investments in the skilled trades will help Maryland develop the workforce necessary to make offshore wind energy production a reality, with an emphasis on new and upgraded jobs that can benefit Maryland's underserved and overburdened communities,"

Applications are due Monday, October 7.

A virtual pre-proposal conference hosted by the Maryland Department of Labor will be held on Wednesday, August 7 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Grants will begin in January 2025.

For more information about the request for proposals, including a link to the application and materials, as well as further information on Maryland Works for Wind, visit labor.maryland.gov/employment/marylandworksforwind.

The Department of Labor strives to create an equitable and inclusive Maryland where all residents have the opportunities and resources to attain financial stability, reach their career potential, and contribute to their communities; where businesses have access to capital and the skilled workforce they need to succeed; where workplaces are safe and well-regulated; and where the economy is resilient and growing. For updates and information, follow Labor on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and visit our website.

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