STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2010) - State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) said today dislocated autoworkers and unemployed Hoosiers in the area may soon have an opportunity to benefit from a $6 million training grant for "green jobs" recently awarded to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

"DWD officials tell us this statewide program will provide skill training and on-the-job experience in the green energy sector to over 2,100 dislocated autoworkers, unemployed Hoosiers, out-of-school youth and adults with barriers to employment," Head said. "I am looking forward to working with the regional workforce board, which will oversee funding for green energy technology, instruction and training."

Head said more details about specific local opportunities are scheduled to be announced this spring.

It is the second time DWD has received a major green jobs grant. In November, DWD won a $4 million grant to study the new green automobile sector and build a roadmap for success by individual workers and the auto industry.

Head said the grant award was another example of how Hoosier teamwork creates success. The DWD partnered in this grant proposal with the Indiana Economic Development Corp., Ivy Tech Community College, Southeastern Indiana Small Business Development Center, American StructurePoint, Inc., and the Indiana State Building and Trades Council.

"Our governor recently said in his State of the State address he'd like to see Indiana become the capital of the nation's electric vehicle industry," Head said. "This grant will help put Hoosiers back to work and provide power for that dream."

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Head represents Senate District 18, which includes Cass, Fulton, Kosciusko, Miami, Pulaski and Wabash Counties.

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