Durbin: Grant to provide wind-turbine job training

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says a federal stimulus grant will provide wind turbine construction and maintenance job training for more than 100 displaced workers in the Joliet area.

Durbin on Tuesday announced the $380,000 Energy Training Partnership Grant. Durbin's office says the money will be distributed through the National Ironworkers Training Fund.

According to the senator's office, many ironworkers can safely erect wind turbine components. However the ironworkers need training in specific maintenance skills. Durbin's office says ironworkers can earn up to $40 an hour if they have the right credentials.

Durbin says training programs graduates "will be in a better position to secure the kind of well-paying jobs that can support a family in a growing industry."