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 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

Green Jobs Act of 2007 (GJA) Industries include: Energy efficient building Construction and retrofits Renewable electric power Energy efficient vehicles Bio-fuels Manufacturing

Green Jobs Act of 2007 (GJA) 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

Green Jobs Act of 2007 (GJA) 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

Green Certifications 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

Green Certifications Examples of Green certifications and existing standards: LEED ICC/NAHB DOE-WAP LIUNA, BPI, RESNET

Green Certifications Contractors/Manufacturers Benefits Understand the skill sets held by certified employees Know what is expected of them in terms of products/processes

Green Certifications Consumers Benefits Will know that products meet a specific standard Will know that production processes meet a certain standard

Green Certifications Workers Benefits Proof of skill = more pay Job satisfaction

Green Certifications 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:

Green Certifications 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

Aid in recruitment Aid in screening applicants Aid in pre-requisite training Contribute to positive community relations Assist in accessing funding

Partnerships Consider: Your priorities Their reputation The “cultural fit” of the organizations Associated costs

Partnerships Potential 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