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March 24, 2009

California Green Jobs Corps Training Program Gets Off the Ground

California, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]

Following a meeting in Sacramento with U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis to discuss how federal economic stimulus money could help create jobs in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced the launch of the California Green Corps. The goal of the California Green Corps is to place at-risk young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 into jobs in the state's emerging green economy, which is driven in large part by renewable energy.

"Green jobs are exactly what our economy and environment need right now - and the California Green Corps targets that need while helping at-risk young adults realize a brighter future."

-- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

“President Obama and I share similar priorities right now when it comes to helping the economy rebound and creating a greener California and America,” Governor Schwarzenegger said. “In California we will utilize federal economic stimulus funds and public-private partnerships to help stimulate our economy while initiating actions to improve our environment. Green jobs are exactly what our economy and environment need right now - and the California Green Corps targets that need while helping at-risk young adults realize a brighter future.”

Investing at least US $10 million in federal economic stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Labor and an additional $10 million from public-private partnerships, the initial phase of the California Green Corps will include a 20-month pilot program that could help place more than 1,000 of California’s at-risk young adults in the running for green jobs.

The program will consist of a minimum of 10 regional Green Corps throughout the state - with at least one regional Green Corps located in each of California’s nine economic regions. In order to participate, regional organizations must partner to apply for a grant from the state. A Green Corps Advisory Committee will select the winning models.

All programs will be public-private partnerships that include green job training, a stipend, an educational requirement and community service. The program is looking to train participants for jobs as workers, cost estimators, energy analysts, computer technicians and salespersons.

Last year, RenewableEnergyWorld.com reported on program in New Mexico with the same goal of placing at-risk young adults into jobs in the emerging green economy. Click here to read that story.

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Reader Comments (5)
 
No image available
March 24, 2009
At the risk of sounding like an elitist, wouldn't it make more sense, if we really want to get green energy off the ground quickly, to offer these jobs to people who already have demonstrated their ability and interest? Say, successful, hard working community college students, (combine it with a way to pay off their student loans) or entry level technicians in a related field? The recidivism of "at risk" youth makes me hesitate to put the success of this kind of investment in their hands. Let's get the program started first, then use it to extend kindness and opportunities. It seems that in trying to solve two problems at once, we might solve neither. Ten Million dollars sounds like a lot of money, but spread over 1000 jobs, that's only $10,000.00 per job. When I take into account the other staff and administration costs, this doesn't seem like much of the money will reach the trainees.
Comment 1 of 5
No image available
March 24, 2009
I would be more then happy to volunteer. I have the time, and would like to do what I can. Please contact me via email. My email address is >jasonkometer@gmail.com<
Good day
Comment 2 of 5
March 25, 2009
Indeed Mary Ann, I second your argument. I few years ago, I tried to invoke and implement this very idea in Oakland, CA where the focus would be on providing a mechanism for disadvantaged youth and other underrepresented groups to obtain jobs and job skills while contributing to their community and the renewable energy (RE) industry. Mind you, my colleague and I wanted to ensure our operative 'disadvantage' encompassed some flexibility in defining the demographic that would be served. But the point I would like to substantiate is the one Mary Ann raised about the paltry financial offering--actually it would be less than her quote, more like ~$9K. To train up to 40 students in a ten week course in PV Design and Installation at the reputable Diablo Valley College, in Pleasant Hill, CA , in tandem with life and job training skills, mentoring, coordinating apprenticeships and job placements, would run (in 2006) an estimated $353,070.00/year. This would cover the cost of tuition, traveling stipends for 20-40 participants, one full-time staff person, two part-time staff persons (editor/grant writer, web site support), and two part-time interns, and costs for an as-needed accountant and legal support.
Comment 3 of 5
No image available
I was in the Federal Job Corps program back when I was 18 and "at-risk", it was a real life-saver. The Job Corps has/had facilities all over the U.S. and several different training programs. I don't think the people responding understand what this program really is about. It's not a college, it's more like going away to a camp and 24-hour supervision, food, shelter, health care, and training. There's a stipend as well. I would imagine the governor's program, if added on to this, would supplement federal dollars already in such programs and as such would not need much additional staffing other than the educators and materials.
Comment 4 of 5
No image available
March 25, 2009
The assumption that "at risk" means "budding criminal" is a poor one. "At risk" generally means economically disadvantaged and as a student at Cal State Northridge I have been privileged to study and work with some incredibly bright, talented and hard-working "at risk" youth.
Comment 5 of 5
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