In partnership with Vineyard Wind, the Network will host a free session of its Foundation 2 Blade program for historically marginalized business owners to help them understand the industry and how to successfully enter the market
For Immediate Release: August 8, 2023
Media Contact: Luke Jeanfreau | [email protected] | 504-302-8079
BALTIMORE – The Oceantic Network, in collaboration with Vineyard Wind, today announced an upcoming Massachusetts session of the Foundation 2 Blade (F2B) training program aimed at empowering underrepresented businesses to successfully enter the growing offshore wind renewable energy supply chain. The three-day training is scheduled to take place at the historic Verdean Veterans Memorial Hall (561 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA, 02740) from September 12 to September 14.
“Foundation 2 Blade is our premier training program, giving companies all the knowledge they need to find their place in the offshore wind supply chain,” said Liz Burdock, president and CEO of the Oceantic Network. “We’re excited to work with Vineyard Wind to bring this valuable knowledge to historically marginalized business owners. The energy transition carries great potential for addressing historic inequities, and we are grateful that Vineyard Wind is helping us to realize that potential for the offshore wind industry.”
Foundation 2 Blade is a transformative opportunity for businesses wanting to capitalize on the many opportunities in the growing offshore wind sector, teaching participants about the essential tools, resources, and industry connections required to successfully enter the offshore wind supply chain. This session is being sponsored by Vineyard Wind to support Massachusetts-based businesses owned by historically marginalized communities, including Native Americans, African Americans, Cape Verdeans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Arab Americans, Tribal Governments, BIPOC, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
“We are thrilled to fund/support training for historically marginalized business owners, as it aligns with our commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within the emerging offshore wind industry,” said Dan Kent, Labor Relations Manager at Vineyard Wind. “This program is an important step towards a just recovery that includes and benefits all members of our community. It’s simply the right thing to do. The Business Network for Offshore Wind and F2B have generated countless professional opportunities and directly contributed to local businesses getting hired on Vineyard Wind 1, and we’re proud to partner on such an initiative.”
By enrolling in F2B training, participants gain critical answers to some of the most challenging business hurdles to entering the offshore wind market:
- Where does my business fit in the offshore wind supply chain?
- How can my business enter the offshore wind market?
- Who do I need to connect with in the industry?
In addition to an exceptional learning experience, registration includes complimentary breakfast and lunch each day, as well as a 327-page hardcover textbook for Foundation 2 Blade that pupils can refer back to as they work to enter the industry.
The Oceantic Network invites eligible and interested businesses to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity by registering online. The Verdean Veterans Memorial Hall is within walking distance of the downtown New Bedford SRTA Bus Terminal, and off-street parking is available. Those seeking more parking options can utilize the Zeiterion Parking Garage, located just one block away from the venue.
Additional Information:
For more information or to arrange an interview with the Network, contact Luke Jeanfreau at [email protected] or 504-302-8079.
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As a non-profit organization, the Oceantic Network’s driving purpose is to inform, coordinate, and mobilize human ingenuity, enterprise, and labor to take advantage of the urgent need to tap the vast offshore wind and renewable energy resources that lie in the world’s oceans. The collective, coordinated efforts of our 600+ members equip communities and nations to accelerate the transition to clean energy and create economic opportunities.
Vineyard Offshore brings industry-leading experience to every phase of offshore wind project development, from conception and design to permitting, finance, and construction. Their team delivers clean, renewable, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective projects that maximize job creation and investment opportunities for local communities. As the sponsor of the Sept 12-14th Foundation 2 Blade supply chain training program, Vineyard Wind remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering diversity, supporting historically marginalized communities, and driving local positive social and economic change.
