Workers Graduate from Statewide Weatherization Program
August 3, 2010
Eleven Middlesex County residents graduated recently from a statewide training program at the Middlesex County Vocational Technical Schools preparing men and women for careers in residential weatherization performance and building science. The New Jersey Weatherization Training Program is a collaborative partnership between the NJ Building Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Fund, the Black Ministers Council of NJ, the NJ Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools (NJCCVTS), State Employment Training Commission, Workforce Investment Boards and Laborers International Union Local 55.
The program, funded through a grant by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Community Affairs, offers a free 10-week weatherization training program and placement assistance to residents of distressed cities. “Our participants leave us job-ready and prepared to work in a field that is expected to see tremendous growth,” said Don Howard, director of the NJ Building Laborers Training and Apprenticeship Fund. The New Jersey Weatherization Training Program will train a total of 600 men and women statewide on a rolling basis throughout the state over 18 months. Graduates received certifications for Environmental Protection Agency, Lead Renovator Painting and Repair, OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Safety Training Program, American Red Cross CPR/First Aid, Scaffold User, Hazard Communications and Laborers International Union’s Weatherization Technician/Installer.
Graduates also will receive job placement assistance with various home energy performance contractors and through local weatherization programs.