|
Local Youth Get Inside Track on 114,000 New Green Jobs
Published on Dec 8, 2009 - 6:11:44 AM
By: California Green Jobs Corps
AUBURN, California December 7th, 2009 - According to a study performed by the Natural Resource Defense Council, as many as 114,000 new green jobs may be created in California by the end of 2010. California Green Jobs Corps, a free program for local youth age 16-24, aims to help youth pursue some of those 114,000 new green careers.
"We want youth to get excited about green jobs," said Brent Rubey, Education Director for the Sierra-based program. "Green Jobs Corps participants get hands-on experience in watershed restoration, green building, organic agriculture, and clean energy. At the end of the 4-month program, we help them pursue the green career they are most interested in."
The program will launch in January. Information sessions for interested Placer County residents will be held December 10 and 11 at the Roseville and Auburn One-Stop Career Centers respectively. Applicants will interview during the last week of December.
"We are reaching out to local businesses and labor and community organizations to partner on this program to give participants hands-on training," said Betony Jones, Sustainability Director for the local program. "By supporting local youth in their pursuit of green careers, this community can position itself to capitalize on the projected growth in the green economy."
The program is free to all participants and takes place on evenings and weekends. Participants will also receive training in essential job skills, environmental stewardship, civic responsibility, community service, and green literacy.
"Green Job Corps youth will also complete an energy auditing internship, which will give them the inside track on one of the fastest growing careers in the country," said Mr. Rubey.
At the end of the program, participants will receive guidance and assistance in pursuing the green career they are most interested in. Jason Buckingham, director of Golden Sierra Job Training Agency explains: "Apprenticeships, on-the-job training, vocational certificate programs, or 2-4 year college programs are all possibilities for Green Jobs Corps youth. We will help connect them with the path that is right for them."
The California Green Jobs Corps is a state-sponsored pilot program funded by federal economic stimulus funds. The local partnership between Fourth Sector Strategies, Golden Sierra Workforce Training Agency, and Sierra College is open to youth from Placer, El Dorado, and Alpine Counties. Statewide, 1500 youth participate.
In the interest of fostering civil and issue-oriented discourse, YubaNet does not publish reader comments identified by anonymous Internet "handles" (fake user ID names like "farfromthinkin"). Your full and real name will be published with your comment. Your email address will not be shown, unless you specifically "uncheck" the box 'Hide my email.' By submitting a comment you consent to our rules.
|
