WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) announced Northern Michigan University in Marquette has received $673,462 for the university’s Electrical Power Technician job training program.  The funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of the stimulus, or the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). 

“As we work to update and expand infrastructure in northern Michigan, including our electrical power sector, this funding will make sure workers receive the training and skills necessary to fill jobs in these fields,” Stupak said.  “Northern Michigan University consistently shows itself to be a leader in advanced job training; a reputation that will continue to grow as a result of this stimulus funding for its Electrical Power Technician training program.”

Northern Michigan University will use the funding to further develop, stabilize, and enhance its Electric Power Technician workforce training program.  The program provides both the knowledge and skills required for an entry-level technician in the electrical power industry.  Graduates will be able to fill critical positions in all areas of the electrical power generation, transmission and distribution system in northern Michigan and nationally. Northern Michigan University received funding under DOE’s initiative to develop and enhance workforce training programs for the electric power sector.  In addition to developing new training programs, strategies and curricula related to the electric power sector and the smart grid, this initiative also supports the development of cross-disciplinary electric power system programs and the university and college level.

Nearly $100 million in stimulus funding was awarded by DOE to a total of 54 smart grid training programs in 33 states to help prepare the next generation of workers in the utility and electrical manufacturing industries.  The programs focus on training activities that support electricians, line workers, technicians, system operators, power system engineers, cyber security specialists and transmission planners.

"Northern Michigan University is very proud of the work being done in our electrical power technician program.  Graduates are getting the necessary skills and securing excellent jobs in a critical sector of our economy.  We're also grateful for the support Congressman Stupak provided," said NMU President Les Wong.