Green Jobs Training to be Offered at Porterville College

April 22, 2011

The Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County (WIB) announced it will help provide training for long-term unemployed or previously laid-off workers for careers in renewable energy.  The course will consist of a two-week pre-apprenticeship training, beginning May 23, and a five-week introduction to power technologies, called PowerTech, beginning June 13.

"We are very enthused to be able to collaborate with Kern Community College District and Porterville College on this great opportunity," said Adam Peck, Executive Director of the WIB.  "The green jobs sector is going to be a growth industry in Tulare County and the Central Valley."

The pre-apprenticeship training will prepare potential employees to apply for apprenticeship programs in a variety of green building fields, such as electrical, plumbing, sheet metal, and other trades.  The PowerTech course will provide an overview of skills needed to move on to other green energy training.  The overview includes Math for Trades, OSHA introduction, Basic Electricity, and Environmental Awareness, among other topics.

The funding allows for a total of 35 students to participate in the PowerTech course, and trainees completing the course with a passing grade will receive certifications in OSHA-10, CPR & Basic First Aid, and Hazardous Waste.  There is no cost to the students to participate in the class, but participants must meet some prerequisites, such as being able to pass a drug test, and possessing a valid CA drivers license.  A high school diploma or GED is recommended, and preference will be given to unemployed workers with a construction background.

The funding for the training comes from a U.S. Department of Labor grant.  The WIB partnered with Porterville College and the Kern Community College District (KCCD) to implement the training in Tulare County.  Porterville College is a part of the KCCD.

For more information on the training, call the Porterville Employment Connection at 788.1400, or visit www.employmentconnect.org.