PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Michael A. Nutter and the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board (PWIB) will hold a news conference TODAY at 2 pm to announce a second request for proposals (RFP) for Recovery funds slated for workforce development.  Mayor Nutter will make the announcement at a solar panel installation training site that has already received funding.  Students will demonstrate the installation of solar panels for Mayor Nutter who will also try his hand at installing a solar panel.

The federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), a $792 billion package with the intent to preserve and create jobs, promote the nation’s economic recovery, and assist those most impacted by the recession, includes money for job training, services for dislocated workers and assistance to youth impacted by the recession.

In Philadelphia, investments for adult and dislocated workers are targeted in two areas – re-employing workers displaced in the recession and increasing the employability of displaced workers and other Philadelphians. Information will be provided on the new request for proposal issued by the Philadelphia Workforce Development Corporation on behalf of the PWIB.

Earlier this year, when the first round of grants was announced, Maxwell Education Group received $150,000 for a solar panel installation training program. The initial class of 25 is completing the classroom portion of the program Monday.  Although the program is still underway, several of the students having already lined up jobs and others are preparing for the externship portion of the training program. 

WHO:               Mayor Michael A. Nutter
Roosevelt Hairston, Jr. Chair, Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board 
Stephen L. Organ, President, Maxwell Education Group
Maxwell Education Group students 

WHAT:             Visit to solar panel training site and announcement of RFP for next round of Recovery Act funding for workforce development

WHERE:            Maxwell Education Group
5301 Tacony Street
Building 210
Arsenal Business Center
Philadelphia, PA 19137 

WHEN:             Monday, Oct. 26, 2009
2 p.m.

About the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board
Founded in 1999, the Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board is a volunteer commission appointed by the Mayor of Philadelphia with the legislated responsibility to govern the public workforce system in the city, including the CareerLink Centers.  The organization that supports the commission – Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board, Inc. – provides expertise in all facets of workforce development, and works to align the skills of the region’s labor force to meet the needs of industry, ultimately supporting the region’s growth and prosperity.  The organization’s vision is a thriving and inclusive regional economy and its mission is to advocate and advance a demand-driven opportunity agenda that effectively prepares Philadelphians to compete in the economic mainstream. 

Andy Gotlieb                                                                Luke Butler
215-893-4299                                                               215-686-6210