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Weatherization Partnership Awarded $40K to Train Older Youth The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB), in partnership with the UMass Dartmouth Office of Campus and Community Sustainability, the Greater New Bedford Career Center (GNBCC), and Bristol Community College’s Center for Business and Industry, received a collaborative award for just over $40,000 to implement the Southcoast Massachusetts Weatherization Technician Training Program (WTTP). This program will provide entry-level weatherization education, skills development, and employment opportunities to a New Bedford centric, group of participants. This award was funded in part by NSTAR and SEEAL (the Southeastern Environmental Education Alliance), a program fund of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. The program is designed to integrate the classroom with real-world experience. Trainees will be engaged 16 hours per week in weatherization work and participants will rotate between three contractors and crews. Combined with classroom hours, those who complete the 160-hour program will receive a Weatherization Technician Certificate. Due to the current energy crisis and increased federal funding of the Weatherization Assistance Program, this is an industry on the rise that will require a skilled labor force to fill demand. Charlie Delisle, President of Delisle Enterprises, Inc., DBA, The Energy Dr., will be the instructor for this course. He has been operating his weatherization business for almost 22 years. Charlie’s business currently functions as one of several contractors for Citizens for Citizens, performing weatherization services for those in need in the Greater New Bedford and Southcoast region. Citizens for Citizens assists over 34,000 low-income individuals each year by providing short-term services that support families during financial crisis situations through its Fuel Assistance, Food Pantry, and Rental Assistance programs. The WTTF Program orientation took place on November 3rd at the GNBCC and there was a good turnout of approximately 20 individuals. There are 12 seats available. At least six of the students completing the program are expected to be hired by the participating contractors. We will follow this pilot group and keep you informed of their progress. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |