The Green Jobs Movement “Assuring Good Training for Good Jobs”

The Green Jobs Movement

“Assuring Good Training for Good Jobs”

Green Jobs Act of 2007(GJA)

• Included as Title X of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007

• Amends section 171 of the Workforce

Investment Act of 1998.

• Authorized $125 million annually to create an Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Worker Training Program

Green Jobs Act of 2007 (GJA)

Purpose• Identify needed skills

• Develop training programs

• Train workers for jobs in a range of industries


Industries include:• Energy efficient building

• Construction and retrofits

• Renewable electric power

• Energy efficient vehicles

• Bio-fuels

• Manufacturing


Target population

• Workers affected by national energy and environmental policy

• Individuals in need of updated training• Veterans • Unemployed workers• Individuals seeking pathways out of poverty• Former incarcerated, adjudicated, non-violent

offenders


Authorized Related Green Job Programs

• National Research Program• National Energy Training Partnership Grants• State Labor Market Research, Information, and

Labor Exchange Research Program• State Energy Training Partnership Program• Pathways Out Of Poverty Demonstration

Program

Green Jobs Act of 2007 (GJA) Funding

• Has not been funded by a regular appropriation

• DOL refused to issue the regulations necessary to implement the program

• This bill was introduced by current Secretary of Labor, Hilda Solis, when she served in the House of Representatives

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)• Signed into law on February 17th, 2009• $500 million in Green Jobs Training grants• Subtitle A of the Congressional Conference

Report states: The conference agreement includes $750

million for a program of competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industry sectors… Within the amount provided, $500 million is designated for projects that prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy as described in the Green Jobs Act of 2007…

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)• Some GJA initiatives have been funded under ARRA (i.e.

National Energy Training Partnerships)

• Related DOL imposed funding requirements (i.e. strategic partnerships) do not follow the original language/intent of GJA

• ARRA is a short term measure

• Continued financial support for GJA proposed initiatives that follows the initial intent/language of the GJA should be pursued

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

Grants currently under ARRA include:• State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants - (11/18/09)

• Energy Training Partnership Grants - (1/06/10)

• Pathways Out Of Poverty

• State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants

• Green Capacity Building Grants - (11/18/09)

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)

Conclusion• $500 million in the ARRA is four times the

amount authorized in the GJA• It will have a major impact on the green jobs

market in general and the building and construction industry in particular

• Secretary of Labor should be urged to apply some of the original pro-labor language of the GJA, that she authored, to future initiatives to ensure funding beyond ARRA

Converting Funding to Quality Training

Green Certifications

• Certify worker skills and knowledge

• Certify products and processes


• Nationally recognized standards-based certifications are needed

• Certifications should be focused on specific tasks, operations, or products

• Standards should be consensus based and promote quality


Examples of Green certifications and existing standards:

• LEED • ICC/NAHB • DOE-WAP • LIUNA, BPI, RESNET


Contractors/Manufacturers Benefits

• Understand the skill sets held by certified employees

• Know what is expected of them in terms of products/processes


Consumers Benefits

• Will know that products meet a specific standard

• Will know that production processes meet a certain standard


Workers Benefits

• Proof of skill = more pay

• Job satisfaction


• Knowledge and understanding of “green theory”

• New construction and retrofit techniques• Day-to-day plant operations• Final products

Examples where specific certifications are or would be useful:


TRAINING

• National standards based certifications = standardized training efforts

• Standards can be easily used as a base level and modified to meet any state/local requirements.

What constitutes quality training?

Training

Assuring quality training:• Establish and/or follow existing skill

standards• Establish pre-requisites• Use quality curriculum that has clear

objectives• Use well-qualified instructors• Ensure training locations have sufficient

capacity for required hands-on activities

Training

Assuring quality training: (cont.)• Use written and performance-based

assessments leading to competency-based certifications

• Require refresher training

• Review/revise curriculum

• Consider CEU’s

• Develop strategic partnerships

Partnerships

Partnerships• Aid in recruitment

• Aid in screening applicants

• Aid in pre-requisite training

• Contribute to positive community relations

• Assist in accessing funding

PartnershipsConsider:

• Your priorities

• Their reputation

• The “cultural fit” of the organizations

• Associated costs

PartnershipsPotential Partners

• Community non-profit organizations

• Workforce Investment Boards or local governmental workforce development entities

• Other educational institutions

• Employer or industry groups

Summary• Training for green jobs has been funded

• Green job standards tied to certifications aid in establishing quality training and ensuring quality products.

• Quality training requires quality curriculum and qualified trainers

• Partnerships can be helpful

Documents

The Green Jobs Movement “Assuring Good Training for Good Jobs”