Bill > HB1616

This bill directs the Director of the Department of Energy to develop comprehensive training resources for the offshore wind industry in Virginia. The training will cover various aspects of offshore wind careers, including both soft skills and technical skills training for manufacturing trades, maritime workers, and other skilled professions. The Director is required to assess the availability of offshore wind developers, manufacturers, and supply chain firms in the state, and potentially establish a Global Wind Organisation training program that covers critical safety requirements such as fire awareness, first aid, sea survival, working at height, and manual hauling. The bill prioritizes training opportunities for veterans, local workers, and workers from historically economically disadvantaged communities. To develop these resources, the Director must consult with public and private higher education institutions, vocational-technical schools, apprenticeship programs, and at least one historically black college or university. Funding for these training initiatives can come from existing local, state, or federal sources, and the training programs will be coordinated with the Transmission Siting and Economic Development Program, including collaboration with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB1616