Workforce Stimulus

Stimulus Grants

AGC of America has worked to identify sections of the American Recovery Reinvestment Act that provide training funds for which AGC Chapters and members might be eligible to apply.

Grant awards

In early 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor 24 announced the winners of five grant competitions to fund projects that prepare workers for "green" jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. Several AGC chapters and members partnered with other groups to win awards in the following:

  • Pathways Out of Poverty Grants: $150 million
    • AGC of Houston is a partner on the $3.1 million Pathways Out of Poverty grant awarded to SER - Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast, Inc. The grant will provide employment in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries to high school dropouts, ex-offenders, and unemployed and disadvantaged individuals in Houston.
  • Energy Training Partnership Grants: $100 million
    • The Rhode Island AGC and Gilbane Construction are partners with several Rhode Island agencies and labor-management organizations, on a $3.72 million Energy Training Partnership grant. Labor organizations will cultivate a green-ready workforce and support journey-level upgrades. Employer partners will align training with emerging sector needs and give green-certified craftsmen priority on energy-related jobs.
  • State Energy Sector Partnership Grants (SESP): $190 million
    • AGC member BigSTEP is a partner on the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's $6 million SESP grant application to provide green skills training within the energy sector.
    • The General Contractors Association of Hawaii is a partner on the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' SESP $6 million grant to develop green industries in the state, provide incumbent workers with green skills, and provide recruiting, training, placement and retention services to dislocated workers and veterans.
    • The Master Builders of Iowa is a partner on the Iowa Workforce Development's $6 million SESP grant to train both new and incumbent workers with portable skills in the energy sector and prioritize energy sector jobs for the state.
    • The Nebraska Building Chapter AGC is a partner on the Nebraska Department of Labor's $4.9 million SESP grant to develop and implement training and employment strategies in wind, biofuels, and green sustainable building technologies.
    • AGC's Utah Chapter is a partner on the Utah Department of Workforce Services' $4.6 million SESP grant to establish a comprehensive statewide approach to workforce development for all renewable and energy efficiency sectors.
    • The Wyoming Contractors Association is a partner on the Wyoming Workforce Development Council's $4.5 million SESP grant to provide resources to eight local training projects that will train workers in energy efficient occupations.