Time for New Bedford to Get Serious About Offshore Wind

The offshore wind industry has arrived in New Bedford, and if you are seeking a job in that industry, now's the time to get ready.

That's the message delivered by John "Buddy" Andrade of the Old Bedford Village Development Corporation delivered on this week's Townsquare Sunday.

During a press conference earlier this week, Old Bedford Village and Pace, Inc. announced they had received a $50,000 "equity" planning grant from the Mass. Clean Engergy Center.

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They are working with other organizations in the community on a three-year program to reach out to underserved populations in Greater New Bedford, and directing them to employment opportunities in the wind industry.

"It's going to take a lot of hands to go into the neighborhoods and get the people looking for that opportunity, as well as preparing our kids in the high schools and vocational schools to get involved in the industry," Andrade said.

Andrade said it will also take leadership from the mayor and city council to demand that wind companies coming to New Bedford hire local workers.

He is also urging area residents interested in working on offshore wind to visit the Bristol Community College website, and sign up for online training programs.

"These courses are the key to the jobs," Andrade said. "The companies are ready to go to work. The question is, are we ready?"

For more information, call (774) 202-0603 or attend a public meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fort Tabor Community Center in the city's South End.

Townsquare Sunday is a weekly public affairs program, heard every Sunday at 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. on WBSM. The program features interviews with individuals and organizations seeking to make the SouthCoast a better place to live and work.

If you would like your organization featured on Townsquare Sunday, please contact the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.