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!

REGIONAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY PARTNERSHIP TRAINING PROGRAM:

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.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Our first class of 20 started Track 1 training on April 21, 2010 and will be graduating on August 13, 2010. 60% will be enrolling in the Pre-Apprentice Wireman course. A training program that provides the foundation and preparation needed to become Journeyman Electricians.

19 trainees started the second cohort of Track 1 on July 6, 2010. The REEPTP continues to recruit and enroll candidates. Our goal is to enroll and employ 240 unemployed individuals over the next 2 years.

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!

For more information about the program visit: www.sermetro.org/green
or visit us on - Regional Energy Efficiency Partnership Training Program- REEPTP

    

Hands-on training is a key component of REEPTP’s curriculum.




Our first class orientation!