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June 29, 2007

(Worthington, MN) – Minnesota West Community & Technical College is one of two key higher education partners leading implementation of a $5-million, three-year federal grant to enhance the renewable energy labor force in southwest and west-central Minnesota.

The U.S. Department of Labor grant, intended to encourage workers to stay in rural Minnesota, was announced by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao. It is one of 13 recent grants awarded by the Labor Department's Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) program.

The grant was received by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Southwest Workforce Council.  Minnesota West and Minnesota State Mankato will lead other higher education partners to develop training for new workers in emerging bioscience and renewable energy industries.

The grant's focus is the labor force in a 36-county "Ag Innovation Triangle" from Norman and Rock counties on the west to Freeborn County on the east. The area includes 85 percent of the state's renewable energy projects, including 14 ethanol plants, three bio-diesel plants and 53 wind turbine farms.

Chao said a key reason Minnesota was selected for the grant is its "25 by 25" goal: 25 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources by 2025. She said the goal creates a "tremendous array of partners" to offer new skilled, knowledge-based jobs in rural communities.

 “This grant is about providing the catalyst to bring together industries and education to develop the human resources necessary to serve this growing industry. This is not just about creating jobs but also wealth in our region of the state,” adds Dennis Hampel, Minnesota West Dean of Career and Technical Programs.

Minnesota West President Dr. Ronald A. Wood says, “The grant also demonstrates continued partnerships between Minnesota West, Southwest Workforce Council and MSU Mankato.  The combination of partnership brings together an unbelievably strong group of agencies and institutions that will share ideas to make for a stronger economy and work environment.”

“This particular grant provides the opportunity for Minnesota West and MSU Mankato to take not just southwest Minnesota and Minnesota to the next level of developing renewable energy but to the nation as a whole,” said Wood.

Minnesota West has several grants and contracts to assist with training programs and this grant will further enhance those opportunities. Minnesota West offers programs in wind energy, bio diesel, and ethanol, as well as, the latest endeavors to include bio mass and solar energy.  “Minnesota West has recognized for a long time that after a long period of renewable energy research that a need existed to prepare a skilled workforce.  We have reached a critical point where workers are needed in renewable energy fields to move the industry forward and create energy independence.  This grant provides a clear opportunity to turn towards application of skill sets and create a balance between research and developing a skilled work force,” said Wood.

“In the field of renewable energy the technology is changing rapidly. These constant changes in technology create opportunities for those who have the right knowledge and skills.  We must adapt quickly to these changes developing skill sets in renewable energy occupations where the real job growth will be. As educational institutions we must lead and not be led by others. We must be deliberate in our planning making sure that we are flexible and able to adapt to these changes and are not just following another trend,” notes Hampel. 

“There is lots of enthusiasm and opportunity in this industry and Minnesota is very fortunate to have such strong representatives in the senate and house that recognize the importance and need for renewable energy,” states Wood.

The Department of Labor launched WIRED in late 2005. In 2006, the first round of grants were awarded to 13 regions across the nation. In January 2007, grants were awarded to 13 additional regions. This week's grant to Minnesota and 12 other regions across the nation represents the third generation of the WIRED projects.