Alternative energy may become a viable career option for a struggling Michigan workforce. Speaking Friday in Traverse City, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced that the No Worker Left Behind program will put more effort into preparing laid-off workers for alternative energy careers.

The second year of the program will feature the new Green Jobs Initiative, a $6 million investment in training for jobs in alternative energy industries including wind, solar, biofuels, geothermal and other green industries.  The Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) will partner with community colleges, entrepreneurs, and employers to create the training programs needed to help green companies succeed in Michigan.

“Michigan’s strong manufacturing history and geography make us a natural fit for the thousands of alternative energy jobs being created each year,” Granholm said.  “The Green Jobs Initiative in No Worker Left Behind will help make sure that those jobs are created right here in Michigan.”  

At Friday's event, Granholm heard from area businesses and workers who have benefited from the program.

Phil Hoyt of Biotech Agronomics said his 'green' company has already hired five No Worker Left Behind graduates.  Biotech Agronomics, which is located in Beulah, is a residual management company that works with municipalities and significant users to repurpose waste from wastewater treatment for use by Michigan’s farmers.

In her weekly radio address, Friday, Granholm celebrated the one-year anniversary of the No Worker Left Behind program.
 
"Today, I'm proud to announce that just one year into the program, more than 31,000 citizens have enrolled in training for new careers, 11,000 have already completed their training, and another 9,100 are waiting for their opportunity," Granholm said.  "The budget for 2009 that I signed into law last week includes $15 million in state funding to help even more people get into training and into new jobs, and we've also won more federal funding to help No Worker Left Behind reach more people."

In one year, the program's Web site - www.michigan.gov/nwlb - has reportedly gotten more than 1.3 million hits from people looking for help to a better career.  On the Website, Michigan workers can find information for training and certification to fill existing job openings in high-demand fields like nursing, accounting, or auto mechanics.

A new green jobs Web site, www.michigan.gov/greenjobs, will serve as a clearinghouse for data and information on internships and jobs, education, and training opportunities.   It will also facilitate collaborative partnerships and initiatives between businesses, educational institutions, and government to better link research and development in renewable energy and conservation with the development of education and training programs for current and future jobs.