What is SVEP?
SVEP links workers with training opportunities in green technology manufacturing, energy efficient processes, technical support for renewable energies such as wind turbine and solar/photovoltaics, and construction trades for efficiency assessments, sustainable construction and retrofitting.
The Shenandoah Valley Energy Partnership (SVEP) is a collaborative of regional education and training providers, workforce systems, and economic development and industry association partners. The partnership was created to plan and implement green-related initiatives to address emerging workforce development needs in the green energy sector and related industries. At this time, there are numerous green energy training opportunities which align with manufacturing and construction occupations. Training opportunities exist in the areas of green technology manufacturing, energy efficient processes, technical support for renewable energies such as wind turbine and solar/photovoltaics, and construction trades for efficiency assessments, sustainable construction and retrofitting.
SVEP is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds totaling $4,951,991. In addition, existing regional resources totaling $7,519,406 are being leveraged with federal funds to provide the utmost support for successful implementation of these workforce development initiatives. Federal funding will be available for programs and scholarships for three years, until February of 2013, or until grant funds are depleted.
The managing organization which is responsible for oversight and coordination of all grant activities is the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board (SVWIB). The SVWIB was a major contributor to the development of the SVEP collaboration.
