Governor Martin O’Malley delivered remarks before the before the Maryland Construction and Energy Workforce Solutions Forum on July 21, sponsored by the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board (GWIB).  The conference brings together 300 industry leaders to endorse and develop strategies designed for workforce creation and skills development through industry partnerships with the construction, energy and “green” industries. 

“The synergy we see here today between our construction sector and our energy community represents what really are some of our greatest assets as we pursue our shared priorities,” said Governor O’Malley.  “As we seek to address our challenges together, our State is facing a transformational moment.  The investments and choices we make today – particularly in our emerging green economy – will have an impact in the choices we’re able to make in the decades to follow.” 

During his remarks, Governor O’Malley announced the creation of the Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation at Towson University, which will act as an industry education and training clearinghouse and coordinator, working in tandem with four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, and the business and labor communities.  The Center is housed at the Towson Global Incubator located on the campus of Towson University and includes representation from all aspects of the construction industry and promotes construction industry careers through a focus on education and training resources.  Construction represents Maryland’s fifth largest private employer, providing jobs to 188,000 Marylanders, 7.4 percent of the State’s workforce. 

Governor O’Malley outlined the State’s goal to create 100,000 green sector jobs in Maryland by 2015, which will support the goal of reducing energy consumption, greenhouse gases, and our collective carbon footprint for years to come.  Maryland also holds a goal of raising the renewable energy portfolio for the State 20 percent by 2022.  

“Today’s Forum is a major step forward to address the workforce needs of the construction and energy industries. The results from this Forum will help us craft strategies to develop  the pipeline of skilled workers to meet the future growth and workforce needs of these key industry sectors and will help grow the green economy.” said Eric Seleznow, Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board.

The GWIB is a business-led board of individuals who represent the business community and serve as the Governor’s chief policy-making body for workforce development with a demand-driven and supply focused approach.  The GWIB is responsible for developing policies and strategies to form a coordinated workforce system from a variety of education, and employment and training programs. It brings together and focuses various workforce development partners and stakeholders on two key outcomes - a properly prepared workforce that meets the current and future demands of Maryland employers, and providing opportunities for all Marylanders to succeed in the 21st century workforce.   

For more information on the GWIB Construction and Energy Committees, please visit the website at www.mdworkforce.com