Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the managing organization? Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board (SVWIB) is responsible for oversight and coordination of grant activities. For more information, go to their website, www.valleyworkforce.com 
How much money was awarded? $4,951,991
Who provides this funding? Funding is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds through the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment & Training Administration (U.S. DOL/ETA).
How long is the money available? Funding is available until February 2013 or until funds have been expended. This grant has a three-year period of performance.
What is the purpose of the grant? The purpose is to address workforce development needs in the green energy sector. This includes 1) manufacturing of green technology and energy efficient processes, 2) renewable energy for wind, photovoltaic and solar, and 3) efficiency assessment, sustainable construction and retrofitting.
Who can participate in training and use grant funds? Priority for training and case management services is for dislocated and unemployed workers. Individuals currently working are eligible for training if they are currently employed part time and need training to secure full-time employment; are seeking training to advance in their current careers; desire training to upgrade their skills; and/or desire training to retain work in their current occupations. Participants must also meet eligibility requirements.
What are participant eligibility requirements? To be eligible to participate with grant scholarship funds, participants must complete the Participant Application, sign the Release of Information statement, and provide documented proof in three areas: eligibility to be legally employed in the United States; verification of age as 18 years or older; and verification of selective service registration, if male and born on or after Jan. 1, 1960 (see Eligibility and Guidelines page).
Can employers use grant funds to provide training for their employees? Yes, there are two ways for employers to work with SVEP for employee training: they may sponsor employees for registered apprenticeship training in construction or manufacturing occupations, or they may request customized green training options. Interested employers may contact the SVEP Project Director, Participant Employment Specialist or education provider to discuss the details of employer-sponsored training for employees.
When is training available? Numerous training programs are provided through eight education and training providers. Not all programs are offered at all times throughout the year; education and training providers schedule programs independently. Check the SVEP Program Summary for a complete list of approved programs. Contact the Participant Employment Specialist or program contact at each school for more information regarding specific programs of interest.
What training is offered? There are training programs for industrial energy efficiency, green manufacturing processes, CFC certification, green construction, sustainability and green building, commercial/residential energy assessment, green enhanced occupations in manufacturing and construction apprenticeships, wind turbine technician, and photovoltaic and solar. For a more extensive list see the SVEP Program Summary.
Where do I register for training? To receive funding and register for training, you must be a grant participant and will need to talk with a SVEP Participant Employment Specialist. You will also need to follow the registration process and requirements for course registration through the education and training provider.
Where do I go for training? Grant training programs are delivered through eight education and training providers and include three community colleges (Lord Fairfax, Dabney S. Lancaster and Blue Ridge), three technical centers (Massanutten Technical Center, Valley Vocational Technical Center and Jackson River Technical Center), Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) and James Madison University (JMU). Training through VMA and JMU is completely online. Training through the other educators is a combination of classroom, simulations, hand-on application and field work, depending on the program. For more information see the SVEP Program Summary.
What will money from this grant pay for? Funds may be used for full or partial payment for training program tuition through an approved educational partner. Funding is also provided for program assessments, course prerequisites and for the Participant Employment Specialist to work with you throughout the training and employment process. For more information see the Program Costs page.
