WIND ENERGY JOBS DRAW THRONGS

Scores sign up for potential wind energy jobs
Dave Dreeszen, April 20, 2009 (Sioux City Journal)

"Last week's public appeal for workers for a potential wind turbine plant in Sioux City produced a large early response…By mid-morning Monday, more than 1,450 people had completed an employment survey through the Iowa Workforce Developement's Web site…

"…[T]he numbers could strengthen the city's case for landing a large-scale wind energy project, which would create 400 high-paying jobs. As the Journal first reported last Thursday, the Northwest Iowa city has been told it's one of two finalists, but is running a "close second'' to another Midwest community."

Iowa is now 2nd in the nation in wind - and can't get enough. (click to enlarge)

"To help overcome the company's doubts about the size and skills of the tri-state labor pool, state and city officials asked the public last Friday to fill out the employment surveys. Workers have until Friday to complete the forms online…or at the local Workforce Development office…

"The plant also would create dozens of management level positions. Assembly; machinists; quality/safety control and assurance; computer control operators; mechanical engineering; electronic technicians; warehousing; logistics; human resources; information technology; administration. The hourly jobs would pay between $16 to $25 and offer health, disability and life insurance, plus a retirement plan and vacation."