Regional Energy Efficiency Partnership Training Program (REEPTP): This program coordinates several partnerships – Wayne County Community College District, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, Labor Unions such as IBEW, DEJATC, and MLTAI to provide combined academics with green occupational skills training, on the job training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities, and support services.

This unique partnership of organizations creates a pipeline of skilled workers for alternative energy job opportunities and is funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Department.

Background

On January 15, 2010, the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration awarded SER Metro-Detroit, Jobs for Progress, Inc. $4,296,673.00 to deliver the Regional Energy Efficiency Partnership Training Program (REEPTP). The REEPTP is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The primary goal of the Recovery Act is to provide a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education and a 21st century infrastructure. Michigan has been hit especially hard by the downturn in the national economy with an unemployment rate of 13.7% (Regional & State Unemployment, Seasonally Adjusted, Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2010), Michigan has shifted its focus to green industries to create jobs and stimulate economic recovery! “The new green economy provides Michigan a dynamic opportunity to rebuild the state’s job base, attract new investment, and diversify the state’s economy”. (Michigan Green Jobs Report 2009, Occupations & Employment in the New Green Economy, Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth, Bureau Of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives, May 2009) The goals of the Regional Energy Efficiency Partnership Training Program are closely aligned with the federal and state agendas and the impact of the programs like REEPTP on job creation and their contribution to the growth of the emerging green economy cannot be understated!

Partner Information

REEPTP is comprised of a consortium of community stakeholders that includes educators, labor organizations, community based organizations and an employer advisory board that are committed to helping Michigan decrease its unemployment rate by providing training that utilizes sustainable and energy efficient building practices that will lead to green jobs in the construction and building trades. Our partners include Wayne County Community College District, Detroiters Working for Environmental Justice, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Detroit Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Committee, Laborers’ International Union of North American, Michigan Laborers Training Apprenticeship Institute, Detroit Workforce Development Department, and Southeastern Michigan Community Alliance.

Who Benefits?

Our program targets individuals that have been displaced from the automotive industry, minorities and women. Our program design taps into services that include career planning, training, supportive services, on-the-job training, job-placement assistance and retention services.

The Training

REEPTP consists of six training tracks. The Convergent Technology Energy Efficiency Certificate Training Program (Track 1) is a foundational course that provides trainees with academic and hands on training and skills needed to find employment in green jobs such as Weatherization Technicians, Deconstruction/Reconstruction Technicians, Recyclers, Energy Auditors and Weatherization Supervisors (Track 2). Graduates of Track 1 also earn college credits that can be used to pursue advanced training or career ladder opportunities in Tracks 3 through 5 where training is offered to become a Residential Wireman or Laborer’s Apprentice. Track 6 provides up-skill training for 100 Journeyman Electricians in the installation of Solar Photovoltaic panels.

Training Activities

Our first class of 20 started Track 1 training on April 21, 2010.   Since then a total of 243 Detroit and Wayne County residents have enrolled into the Convergent Technology Energy Efficiency Certificate Program (Track 1).

• 208 graduates completed Track 1.  Graduates of Track 1 receive a Convergent      Technology Efficiency Certificate, First Aid CPR, OSHA 10 Certification, Green Advantage Certification, Lead Worker and/or Lead Abatement Supervisor Certification   and earn 7 college credits for advanced learning opportunities.
• 23 graduates have enrolled in the Tech Math and Residential Wireman Pre-Apprentice training since June 15, 2011. Training is offered by REEPTP sub-grantee the Detroit Joint Electrical Apprenticeship Training Center.  2 graduates started the Laborers’   Apprenticeship Training with the Laborers’ Local 1191 in June 2011.
• REEPTP labor partner the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers started Residential Wireman Apprenticeship Training in April 2011.
• 73 Incumbent Workers completed Solar Photovoltaic Training.  36 received certification from the North American Board of Energy Practitioners (NABCEP)
• 30 graduates completed training to become Building Performance Institute (BPI) Certified.  18 received BPI Certification to become Energy Auditors.

Career and Business Services

REEPTP’s Business Services’ unit continue to conduct monthly hiring and employability enhancement workshops (interviewing skills and techniques, motivational and self-confidence building, etc.).  The Business Services Team contacts, at minimum, 40 employers monthly via e-mail, phone calls and site visits.

• Participants receive financial literacy and coaching by SER’s Center for Working Families as part of this program.
• Entrepreneurial workshops are incorporated into this program design for thoseinterested in becoming contractors in the construction and building trades.

Job Placement as of 1/31/12

• Entered Employment/Apprenticeships Rate for graduates:  57%
• Training Related Job Placement Rate:  70.97%

REEPTP is excited about this new opportunity to make a difference. More jobs will generate more revenue for business and stimulate economic growth for our region and the nation. And it’s good for the environment!