California Mayors Convene to Preview New Green Training Program at Merritt College
February 5, 2008
Oakland, California. Mayor Ron Dellums of Oakland and other California mayors, including Gavin Newsome of San Francisco, Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, and Sharon Quirk of Fullerton gathered on January 31st at Merritt College to preview the new Environmental Engineering Technician program. The 520-hour green certified training curriculum is the first of its kind and the result of strategic collaboration between the Regional Technical Training Center (RTTC) and Merritt College.
The program will provide skilled workers for local companies that seek to develop alternative energy resources, as well as those that design and produce products and services to positively impact the environment. Environmental instructor, Al Barnes indicated, "Currently, there are more green jobs than there are qualified candidates to fill these positions. Some of the areas that are experiencing a high demand for qualified green job candidates are organic agriculture, solar installation, and watershed management."
Students who are enrolled in the program learn to apply the principles of environmental engineering to test, modify, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental pollution. They are recruited from local job service programs such as Cal Works and the Employment Development Department (EDD). Of the 20 students enrolled, 20% are college graduates and many have extensive work backgrounds. Regardless of work history or education, they all desire to upgrade skills to attract the new wave of green employers. During training, students will receive instruction at Merritt College’s state-of-the-art Environmental Center, Self Reliant House (SRH), as well as at RTTC located on Oakland’s decommissioned military port complex.
Classes are taught by seasoned green industry professionals providing a balanced blend between hands-on field work and academic theory. Once completed, students will receive guidance in securing employment with Bay Area organizations, including PG&E, Bay Solar Power, and Grid Alternatives.
The Environmental Engineering Technician program supports Mayor Dellums’ green agenda for Oakland and his desire to train a green workforce to make Oakland a model sustainable city. The program is also one of eleven state-certified career training programs offered by RTTC. When asked his thoughts regarding his enrollment in the program, student, Gerl Jenkins commented, "The classes and training are giving me renewed hope in terms of better employment opportunities." Jenkins previously worked as a Veterans Job Services Representative.
RTTC is a state-approved post-secondary workforce development agency with a history of success in training and placing local Bay Area residents with regional employers.
For more information: www.rttc.us.
Contact:
Bernard Ashcraft
CEO – Regional Technical Training Center
510.444.6441
rttcjobs@aol.com
