WASHINGTON – A workforce-development program offered by the Community College of Rhode Island and National Grid is garnering some national attention.

Rep. James R. Langevin, D-R.I., highlighted the program on the floor of the House as a model for workforce development in high-demand industries.

“We hear a lot about the skills gap that we’re facing in this country. And business owners repeatedly tell me that they cannot fill openings because applicants lack necessary skills. We need better collaboration between the companies doing business and doing the hiring and the educators who are preparing our students,” Langevin said.

Students in the local program have the opportunity to earn a certificate in energy-utility technology, including a focus on high-level math skills and state-of-the-art equipment used in the field.

In addition to their class work the students spend 64 hours training at National Grid facilities. The program is supported through grants and investments by National Grid, so that the newly trained students can replace the company’s aging workforce. •