US east coast state Rhode Island has included offshore wind within its grant-supported efforts to expand employment opportunities for its citizens.
Ready 4 Offshore Wind (READY 4 OSW), led by Business Network for Offshore Wind, is one of 12 new recipient partnerships that expands the Real Jobs Rhode Island, promoted by state governor Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.
As part of the initiative READY 4 OSW is also eligible for a share of $1.6m in implementation grants to expand the state’s workforce in strategic sectors, including energy, finance and healthcare.
READY 4 OSW will create opportunities for Rhode Island businesses to enter the offshore wind industry through training and business services.
The group will also educate businesses in the Rhode Island’s offshore wind sector about the supply chain and the opportunities for local companies in the industry, through Business Network for Offshore Wind’s proprietary Foundation to Blade training.
Governor Raimondo said: “Real Jobs Rhode Island has served almost 6000 Rhode Islanders, helping them get the skills they need to compete in a rapidly-changing economy.
“Our employer-centred model allows Rhode Island employers to directly train future employees for good-paying jobs and is a critical element of our success.”
Rhode Island is the first US state to have developed and commissioned an offshore wind farm, the 30MW Block Island facility.