New York Construction Report staff writer
A National offshore wind training center to be built Suffolk County, will boost pre-apprenticeship training for the construction industry.
A $9 million competitive opportunity was launched this week through the Offshore Wind Training Institute for expanded offshore wind workforce development and training initiatives.
“New York is leading the charge for the clean energy revolution,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said at a news conference. “We are partnering with innovative, industry leading companies and spearheading billions in public and private investments to spur economic development and good-paying jobs for New Yorkers.
“The national Offshore Wind Training Center will enhance our efforts to prepare our workforce for the green jobs of the future, support the physical infrastructure needed for these clean energy projects, and solidify New York’s role as a global leader in this powerhouse industry.”
Suffolk County purchased the state-owned parcel located in Brentwood for $1.46 million. The site, which includes a 22-year license agreement with the County, will host a newly established National Offshore Wind Training Center funded by a $10 million investment by Sunrise Wind (a joint venture of Ørsted A/S and Eversource Energy).
The project is a partnership with the Long Island Federation of Labor-AFLCIO, the Nassau and Suffolk Building and Construction Trades, Suffolk County Community College, International Brotherhood of Electric Workers, the Utility Workers Union of America, BlueGreen Alliance and Minority Millennials.
“Today we take the next great step in connecting Long Island’s Workforce to the heart of our new economy for New York State,” said Nassau and Suffolk Building and Construction Trades President Matthew Aracich said. “This facility will serve as a magnet to attract talent through workforce development programs in the Brentwood Community and help point the youth to explore new paths in career opportunities.”
NOWTC’s strategic partnership with Orsted and Maersk will create a central training facility that will make GWO certification available to anyone working in the Offshore Wind Industry and fills a niche that is needed in preparation for the 9GW of offshore wind we are building right here on Long Island.”
The NOWTC is expected to train and certify thousands of workers under Global Wind Organization (GWO) training standards for offshore wind and support services for entryways into pre-apprenticeship training for the construction industry.
“The $20 million OWTI is advancing offshore wind training programs and the educational infrastructure needed to establish a skilled workforce that can support the emerging national offshore wind industry,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone.
