'Green' jobs viable option for Michigan's idle workforce

You can't ignore the large number of manufacturing jobs that have disappeared from the Michigan economy. And you can't ignore the push for alternative energy the entire country is looking for. So, put the two of them together and viola...

Well, it's not that easy. But Michigan may, potentially, be in a prime location for alternative energy production. And that production requires workers with manufacturing experience. So, there you have it: 2+2=4.

To wit, Michigan's Green Initiative, a $6 million dollar investment for 'green' (solar, wind, biofuels, geothermal and other green industries) job training, is parterning up with the No Worker Left Behind program to prepare laid-off workers for alternative energy careers.

Excerpt:

“Michigan’s strong manufacturing history and geography make us a natural fit for the thousands of alternative energy jobs being created each year,” Granholm said.  “The Green Jobs Initiative in No Worker Left Behind will help make sure that those jobs are created right here in Michigan.”  

At Friday's event, Granholm heard from area businesses and workers who have benefited from the program.

Phil Hoyt of Biotech Agronomics said his 'green' company has already hired five No Worker Left Behind graduates.  Biotech Agronomics, which is located in Beulah, is a residual management company that works with municipalities and significant users to repurpose waste from wastewater treatment for use by Michigan’s farmers.

Read the entire article here.