Bill > HB67

This bill directs the Director of the Department of Energy to identify and develop training resources to advance the offshore wind industry in the Commonwealth, which involves creating offshore wind careers and training curriculum. This curriculum will cover essential skills like pre-hire soft skills and technical training for manufacturing trades, suppliers of offshore wind products and services, maritime workers, and other skilled trades. The Director will also assess the presence of offshore wind developers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and supply chain firms within Virginia and may establish a Global Wind Organisation (GWO) training program to ensure workers meet minimum safety standards, including training in fire awareness, first aid, sea survival, working at height, and manual hauling. Priority will be given to training resources for veterans, local workers, and individuals from historically economically disadvantaged communities. To develop these resources, the Director will collaborate with public and private higher education institutions, vocational-technical schools, apprenticeship programs, and at least one historically black college or university. Funding for these efforts can come from existing local, state, or federal sources and grants, and any developed training resources will be coordinated with the Transmission Siting and Economic Development Program within the Department of Energy.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB67