The National Job Corps Association (NJCA) is partnering with Green Advantage, Inc. to offer green construction trainings and certification to young workers at Job Corps’ 122 centers across the nation. The agreement coincides with the Obama administration’s goals to stimulate the country’s economy, put hundreds of thousands of Americans back to work, and invest in America’s future with green jobs and technologies.
Green Advantage creates and delivers a nationally recognized, third party green certification to construction practitioners: primarily contractors, subcontractors, and trades people. Many owners, architects, engineers, realtors, planners, and others are also certified. Green Advantage authorizes academic and professional training organizations throughout the U.S. to deliver courses in preparation for its certification exams.
“Buildings in the U.S. consume almost 2/3 of total electricity, use 12% of the potable water, generate 2.8 pounds per person of construction waste daily, and contribute 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions,” said Grady O’Rear, Green Advantage’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Green Advantage and Job Corps agree with President Obama that we as a country can do better than this. Green Advantage is uniquely qualified to train and certify today’s youth ahead of the explosion of green jobs likely to be the center point of the Obama administration.”
“President Obama has set a goal of weatherizing and improving the energy efficiency of one million homes annually and Job Corps is ready to contribute to this effort,” said NJCA Chair Richard F. Schubert. “In partnership with Green Advantage, Job Corps centers across the nation will ensure that the tens of thousands of disadvantaged young adults who transition into the construction industry through Job Corps are equipped with the skills and certifications necessary to become leaders in the green construction sector.”
About the National Job Corps Association:
Job Corps is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive residential education and job training program for out-of-school youth, ages 16 through 24. The National Job Corps Association represents the business, labor, volunteer, advocacy, academic, and community organizations involved in the operation of Job Corps. For over 45 years, Job Corps has assisted more than two million youth transition from economic despair and hopelessness into careers that provide them economic independence. Job Corps’ success has rested in large part on its responsiveness to employers and the emerging needs of our economy. You can learn more about Job Corps and the NJCA at www.njcaweb.org.
About Green Advantage:
Launched in 1998, the Green Advantage Certification was created with support from the U.S. EPA, SAIC, the Nature Conservancy, and the University of Florida; Green Advantage® has come to be nationally and internationally respected as a pioneer in the green building sector. Individuals certified by Green Advantage® have passed the Green Advantage® Certification Exam, demonstrating knowledge of current green building principles, materials, and techniques. Commercial, Residential, and Commercial/Residential certifications are available, with a specific exam required for each. Because the green building field is rapidly changing, candidates must become recertified every three years in order to maintain Green Advantage Certification. You can learn more about Green Advantage by visiting the website at www.greenadvantage.org.