Xcel Energy and DEED Call for Community Partners to Provide Construction Training

St. Paul – Xcel Energy is leveraging Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) expertise in training program oversight and grant management to issue a request for proposals (RFP) from Minnesota training providers. The Xcel Energy Power Up training program will provide a workforce training pipeline for a variety of energy-related construction occupations. Xcel Energy is investing $4 million in the initiative, $3.6 million of which will go toward two $1.8 million grants to provide apprenticeship readiness and basic construction skills training over four years. The RFP is slated to open at the end of March and be open for 45 days.

“The Xcel Energy PowerUp program will help train and support the next generation of clean energy workers and leaders in Minnesota, and it will help us continue the recovery from the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Chris Clark, President, Xcel Energy – Minnesota.  “Partnership with DEED on this project will help grow the workforce pipeline Xcel Energy and other Minnesota employers need during this tight labor market.”

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