Youth are introduced to typical entry-level jobs as energy efficiency educators and installers through training with SEI staff and work experience with local contractors. The Green Workforce Training Program specifically targets high school dropouts, persons at risk of dropping out or who are deficient in basic literary skills, and/or live in high crime/poverty areas.
The purpose of the program is to inspire participating youth to care about protecting our environment and communities, to help them understand that work in green job sectors make a significant contribution to society, and that this line of work offers opportunities for long-term, fulfilling employment.
The Green Workforce Training Program has 4 core features:
- State of the art introductory training about climate change, energy-efficiency and green career concepts in addition to job readiness skills
- Hands-on skills through site-work at summer internships with EE contractors and green businesses
- Job readiness guidance through career coaching
- Public speaking and communication skills through oral presentations
The internship program serves to impart participants with knowledge and skills that are immediately relevant in today’s world, directly connecting them to jobs and future opportunities; and to help satisfy an increasingly valuable niche in society by producing a well-trained and specialized workforce to support the energy efficiency industry.
