Offshore Wind Workforce Development Grant Program - FY 2019

MEA will consider applications for new or existing workforce development training centers utilized by the offshore wind industry. Training centers must provide education of a technical trade skill(s) and safety standards utilized for the development, manufacturing, construction, installation, and operations & maintenance of an offshore wind energy project. Applicants must demonstrate how project proposals will benefit Maryland’s Emerging Businesses, including minority-owned Emerging Businesses.

The Program has a budget of $800,000 for Fiscal Year 2019. MEA may increase or decrease the Program budget at its sole discretion.  Grants are calculated as 50 percent of total project costs up to $200,000, whichever is the lower amount. Applicants must contribute at least 50 percent of the total project costs. Please read the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for additional information before starting your application.

Training Centers Requirements

1. The training center must provide technical training of skilled trades related to the development, manufacturing, construction, installation, and operations & maintenance of an offshore wind energy project.
   
2. Examples of skilled trades utilized for the construction, installation, and operations & maintenance of an offshore wind industry include, but are not limited to, welding, metal fabrication, electrical work, millwrighting, rigging, and pile driving.
   
3. MEA will give priority to applications proposing training centers for skilled trades required for the manufacturing and construction of an offshore wind energy project.
   
4. Grantees will be required to ensure the training center's graduating students complete, at a minimum, the US Department of Labor's (DOL) Occupational safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) 10-Hour safety course.
   
5. s will be required to demonstrate outreach and recruitment efforts to s will be required to demonstrate outreach and recruitment efforts to minorities,k as defined in Md. Code Ann., State Government § 9-20C-01(g), and veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
   
6. Grantees will be required to demonstrate outreach and recruitment efforts to individuals who are under-employed, unemployed and/or have a criminal record.
   
7. Grantees will be required to demonstrate efforts to maintain records of professional progress for all students, including work history, certifications obtained, and post training employment for up to one year after graduation from the training center.
   
8. The training center must benefit Maryland’s Emerging Businesses, including minority-owned Emerging Businesses entering the offshore wind industry.​