The Institute welcomed a new class of participants last month as part of its Workforce Development and Training Program (WFD).  The current Spring 2015 class, which focuses on environmental remediation certification, will empower 16 participants with the credentials necessary to begin “green” careers, specializing in lead abatement, asbestos and hazardous waste removal and confined space work.  These specialized classes provides each participant an opportunity to engage in powerful discussions regarding their prospective careers, the technical aspects of their new skills and instruction, and embrace their new individual and collective roles as change agents within their communities.

Each program provides training cycles ranging in duration from 12-14 weeks and includes work-readiness preparedness, academic instruction (math, reading and critical thinking), and technical skills training.  Graduates of the program qualify for state licenses and certifications in environmental remediation, registered construction trade apprenticeships, or state approved construction-training programs. The programs expect to achieve a 70% placement rate of job training graduates into meaningful employment (no less than 51% above the minimum wage).