EPA Grant Produces Environmental Employment and Training Successes for 35 Local Residents
What a difference a year makes, especially for 35 local residents seeking job prospects in various environmental service fields. Last year at this time, the Wilmington-based Brownfields Workforce Development and Job Training Coalition began to implement a three-year $192,300 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to recruit, train, and find employment for local citizens interested in environmental services. The grant required that unemployed and under-employed residents, including veterans, minorities, and those with criminal backgrounds be recruited for job training and employment.
One year later, the coalition comprised of West End Neighborhood House, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), Delaware Technical Community College and BrightFields, Inc. is celebrating individual and programmatic successes that have benefited 35 local residents. (*Profiles for three of the 35 individuals can be found at the end of this news release.)
According to Julie Bieber, Program Director for the Education and Employment Department at West End Neighborhood House, the first year statistics tell a great story about the people who have been given a chance to learn and work in fields that are important to the environment.
After only 10 months, 15 Wilmington residents are employed and 35 have gained their general environmental safety certificates. In addition, 33 have earned their OSHA hazardous waste removal certificates, seven have obtained their Delaware wastewater licenses, two have earned their Delaware base level water license, 16 have achieved an asbestos removal certificate and 14 have obtained a lead remediation certificate. Of the 15 who are employed, six are working full-time, including one who was hired as a supervisor and another as a safety trainer for new employees.
Wilmington City Council Member Darius Brown, who assisted with assembling the coalition, today thanked EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin for providing the grant and he congratulated coalition members for introducing the tuition-free job training and employment placement program to the community. The Wilmington-based coalition was one of only 19 entities nationwide that received an EPA Environmental Job Training grant in 2015.
Brown said while 35 participants who are 18 years of age and older are already learning the skills needed to secure sustainable employment in various environmental fields, the EPA grant will enable the coalition to recruit an additional 35 people over the next year and help them find employment.
Those interested in learning more about the EPA-supported environmental training, education and employment program are invited to call West End Neighborhood House at (302) 658-4171 or visit www.westendnh.org. Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants will complete an orientation at West End, which includes aptitude testing and drug screening, and then be enrolled this fall in one of two tracks of classes at Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech). Tuition costs for qualified trainees are paid for from the EPA grant.
Presented here are three of the employment success stories from the program. Newsrooms should contact Catherine Hoopes at (302) 658-4171 to speak to any of the participants.
Amanda McGrady
Amanda McGrady, a single mother of two, was getting desperate to find a career that would allow her to become financially self-sufficient and take care of her children. With only a high school diploma, she could only find part-time jobs that paid minimum wage. When she couldn’t afford to repair her car, renew her car insurance, and pay rent, Amanda knew that she needed certifications and job skills to start a career. Since she hoped to enter the construction and environmental field, Amanda applied for the Environmental Job Training Program at West End Neighborhood House. Despite being the only woman in her cohort of classes, she passed each and every one. She has obtained certifications in Customer Service, OSHA 10, OSHA 40 (HAZWOPER), Asbestos Removal, Lead RRP, and Forklift Operation. In early May, she was hired as an Environmental Technician for a national transportation company and she is now looking forward to advancing in the environmental field. Now that she is earning a livable wage, Amanda has started saving for a new home with the help of a Financial Coach through the $tand By Me Financial Empowerment Program.
Charles Kozur
Charles Kozur is a decorated Gulf War Veteran who was awarded the Army Achievement, Army Logistics, Overseas Service and Liberation of Kuwait Medalsfor outstanding service to his country. After returning to the US after Operation Desert Storm, adjusting to civilian life was a struggle. A criminal background prevented him from finding a job that paid a livable wage. When Charles heard about the Environmental Job Training Program, he decided to pursue education in a field that he truly enjoyed. After completing certifications in Customer Service, OSHA 10, OSHA 40 (HAZWOPER), Lead RRP, Asbestos Removal, and Forklift Operation, Charles found a full-time job as a lead technician for a disaster/biohazard response company. Charles not only makes more than minimum wage; he also receives healthcare benefits, paid vacation time, and has started a 401k. Charles has performed so well at his job that he is the first person called for any new environmental remediation contract. His goal is to continue in environmental construction and eventually move into management.
Tyrone Williams
Tyrone Williams is a single father of four. Due to limited higher education/training, Tyrone could no longer support his family. Feeling trapped in a difficult financial situation led to his involvement in the criminal justice system. While incarcerated, Tyrone decided to focus on a brighter future and work towards a sustainable career. He began the Federal Re-entry Program, and while attending, applied at West End Neighborhood House for the Environmental Job Training Program. Tyrone also took advantage of the support services offered by West End through $tand By Me Financial Coaching, and worked on repairing his credit and setting financial goals for his family. His ultimate goal is to move out of the Oxford House (Federal Halfway House) and become a home owner. Tyrone completed certifications in Customer Service, OSHA 10, OSHA 40 (HAZWOPER), Lead RRP, Asbestos Removal, and Forklift Operation. Just two weeks after finishing his environmental construction credentials, Tyrone was offered a full-time job at an international corporation with one of the largest distribution systems in North America. Tyrone strives for excellence and takes pride in his work as he applies his knowledge of environmental safety and construction techniques. As a result, his employer has given him additional responsibilities and he is now training new employees to follow OSHA safety regulations. Tyrone has been working for the past two months and hopes to continue his upward mobility within the company. He is also saving to purchase a home. In addition, Tyrone is giving back to his community by volunteering at the Achievement Center, where he serves as a mentor encouraging youth and ex-offenders to be part of a greater tomorrow.
For more information about this news release, contact:
John Rago
Communications and Policy Development Director
Wilmington City Council
Phone: (302) 576-2149
Mobile: (302) 420-7928
Email: jrago@WilmingtonDE.gov