The US Department of Commerce has awarded almost $23m in federal funding to the state of Maryland earmarked for training an offshore wind workforce.
Grants will be used to develop a new apprenticeship model under the Maryland Works for Wind scheme.
The programme will have a focus on engaging thousands of “formerly incarcerated individuals, veterans, disconnected youth, and other underserved populations”, according to the Maryland Department of Labor.
The $22.9m investment comes as part of a wider $500m government package known as the Good Jobs Plan, which has awarded grants to 32 workforce training schemes across the US.
Orsted, which is developing the Skipjack Wind project in Maryland, welcomed the announcement, saying it plans to spend nearly $735m in the state and create thousands of local jobs during Skipjack Wind’s development and operation.
The company’s North America offshore CEO David Hardy said: “Orsted is proud to be making significant commitments to develop supply chain, manufacturing, and operations capabilities across Maryland as we develop Skipjack Wind.
“The Maryland Works for Wind initiative positions the state to build a pipeline of skilled talent to support Skipjack Wind’s development and other projects in the US and globally.
“Orsted is excited to work with the Maryland Department of Labor and its partners to ensure all Marylanders have access to the skills needed to secure good-paying jobs in offshore wind.”
US Wind CEO Jeff Grybowski added: “Building offshore wind projects off the coast of Maryland and Sparrows Point Steel in Baltimore County will require a multi-faceted, multi-skilled workforce.
“The Maryland Works for Wind initiative will enable our business to grow and thrive by providing the skilled workforce we need to compete in today’s global economy.
“With the help of union labour, minority businesses, and community colleges, we can train diverse workers from underserved populations for good-paying jobs that serve both US Wind’s projects and the greater US market.
“We look forward to working with these partners to support the creation of an offshore wind manufacturing hub for the region.”