Press release from Green Opportunities:
Two local non-profit organizations have partnered with two local employers to provide an opportunity for those looking for careers in trades. Green Opportunities and the YMI Cultural Center’s Operation Gateway have joined forces with local solar installer SolFarm and TP Howard’s Plumbing to offer a three-week paid training program designed to prepare members of marginalized communities to succeed in living-wage trades jobs.
Participants spend the first week of training learning about workplace “soft” skills, such as leadership, accountability, and collaboration, while also being paired with a mentor, connected to local supports to address barriers to employment, and earning workplace safety certifications. Weeks 2 and 3 are on-the-job training and will see participants working on site with solar or plumbing crews. At the end of the 3-week program, companies have the opportunity to invite participants to stay on as full-time employees. Members are paid $15 an hour for three 40-hour program weeks, beginning April 26 and ending May 14.
The program is poised to be a win-win for employer partners, the community, and the non- profit organizations. “There are many well-paying job openings in trades right now in our area. We know there are workers in marginalized communities ready and able to fill those slots, but may need support, mentorship, and coaching to help this process. This program seeks to fill that gap,” said Ben Williamson, Interim Director at Green Opportunities.
The program is funded in part by a grant from the Dogwood Health Trust.
Those interested in participating can learn more by calling Green Opportunities at 828-398- 4158 or visiting www.greenopportunities.org. Women, minorities, and those with barriers to employment are encouraged to apply.
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.