The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is making available $2.45 million to education and training providers that are preparing Pennsylvanians for green careers in the energy sector.

The PA Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Board, or PA WIB, last month announced grants to eight organizations that provide curriculum development, training and apprenticeship programs for unemployed, underemployed and dislocated workers.

"Pennsylvania is among the states with the highest number of green jobs," Labor & Industry Secretary Sandi Vito said. "Advanced workforce policies and wise investments have made the state a national leader in fostering a green economy. These grants will build on that success by helping develop training opportunities and connecting skilled workers with the employers who rely on them."

Accompanied by $2.5 million in private-sector matching funds, this initiative will provide a total of $5 million to energy-sector workforce education and training.

The PA WIB is the Governor's principal private-sector policy advisor on building a strong workforce development system aligned with state education policies and economic development goals. Its members are appointed by the Governor and represent a cross-section of business executives, labor officials, education leaders, economic development practitioners and local elected officials.