The Minnesota State Energy Sector Partnership (MSESP) is accepting innovative proposals from Minnesota-based businesses and organizations to train Minnesotans for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
MSESP, which plans to distribute up to $3 million, will consider proposal requests ranging from $25,000 to $250,000. Partnerships and inter-regional collaborations that extend beyond Minnesota are also eligible.
Proposals must provide details about training, job placement and related activities in the energy efficient building, construction and retrofit industries; the renewable electric power industry; and the biofuels industry. Proposals that address supporting sectors and suppliers will also be considered.
For more information or to download a copy of the request for proposal, visit http://www.gwdc.org/committees/MSESP/2011_MSESP_Request_for_Proposals.htm .
"The Minnesota State Energy Sector Partnership initiative combines private-sector leadership with a broad partnership of key stakeholders to develop the talents of Minnesota's workforce," said Cyndi Lesher, MSESP co-chair and former Northern States Power Co. CEO. "This is an opportunity to build our state's competitive advantage in the renewable energy industry, by providing training and job opportunities for Minnesota's workforce."
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"This MSESP initiative provides a great opportunity for individuals who want to build a career and become a sustaining part of Minnesota's green economy," said Inez Wildwood, MSESP co-chair and manager of talent at Duluth-based Allete Inc.
MSESP, an initiative of the Governor's Workforce Development Council (GWDC), is funded by a three-year, $6 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to provide training, job placement and related activities in the energy-efficient building, construction and retrofit industries; the renewable electric power industry; and the biofuels industry.
Partnership members include representatives from energy efficiency and renewable energy businesses and industries, GWDC, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, Office of Energy Security, representatives from apprenticeship and veterans agencies, labor organizations, state legislators, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and economic development organizations.
