Southwest Washington will receive $959,000 of the $5 million in federal stimulus money awarded last week to the Oregon Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The Renewable Northwest project, organized by unions, economic development organizations and colleges in Washington and Oregon, will train workers and retool factories for renewable energy manufacturing.
The money, to be distributed over two years, will pay for training at community colleges that begins this spring for workers entering green jobs already identified as “in demand.” Participants will study for a certificate or degree that meets industry or state standards.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage the strong manufacturing capabilities we have in our region,” said Lisa Nisenfeld, executive director of the Southwest Washington Workforce Development Council.
