Focus on Green/Clean
Since July 2006, ETP has approved approximately $60M in 148 green/clean technology related contracts for just under 50,000 California workers. ETP green/clean technology contracts include energy generation and efficiency; renewable energy or construction; recycling of various sorts; manufacturing; facilities that convert solar, wind, and tidal power into electrical energy; wholesale distribution of automotive scrap, industrial scrap, and other recyclable materials; environmental consulting in a myriad of areas; clean up services that address contaminated buildings, mines sites, soil, or ground water; promoting the preservation and protection of the environment and wildlife; and other types of green strategies. View the Green/Clean Contracts Listing for details on figures and participants.
To further boost ETP's efforts in funding green/clean technology contracts, we are partnering with the California Energy Commission (CEC), which is expected to receive multi-million million dollars under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and some of which would be used for workforce development purposes to help develop a California workforce with the skills to participate in wide-ranging green collar jobs associated with energy efficiency efforts.
It is also likely that ETP will receive $5-$8 million in Budget Year 2009/10 from the CEC to support efforts in funding green/clean job training, with particular emphasis on augmenting existing ETP contractors -- such as California Labor Federation and Green Plumbers, for example. Such contractors have training programs focused on green/clean skill development among journey level workers, as well as projects targeting pre-apprentices, disadvantaged populations, and other training that opens career pathways in the green technology sector. Here is a brief on some specific Green/Clean Contracts funded thru ETP, California Labor Federation (AFL-CIO) and Give Something Back Business Products.
ETP will also provide job training funds to train home energy auditors and to upgrade the skills of currently employed home energy raters. Those with newly acquired skills and training will be better equipped to provide reliable information to differentiate the energy efficiency levels among California homes and to guide investment in cost-effective home energy efficiency measures, inspections of residential and non-residential duct sealing, thermostatic expansion valves, refrigerant charge, airflow measurement and building envelope sealing measures.
Additionally, ETP will provide job training funds to train incumbent workers and unemployed individuals to implement the Green Chemistry Initiative, administered through the California Department of Substance Control (DTSC), to promote the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.
To further efforts by the Governor and the Legislature to expand the economy and protect the environment through green technology, The Green Collar Jobs Council was created. ETP is actively involved with this group helping to market and define green/clean technology so it may disperse maximum funding for green contracts once it receives ARRA funding. Comprised of over 20 labor, private and public partners, the Green Collar Jobs Council is charged with defining green technology; understanding the current and future workforce needs of the green/clean economy; developing a comprehensive strategy to prepare California's workforce to meet the needs of businesses supporting the economy; and ensuring that efforts aimed at improving workers' skills are coordinated and effective.
Ultimately, ETP utilizes strategic partnerships and administrative strategies to meet its goals and objectives - all of which support funding for training to provide California workers the job skills demanded by occupations in key and emerging industries. The green and clean technology industry is a key focus for ETP, as it has been identified by both Governor Schwarzenegger and President Obama for having great potential as an economic and job stimulant, as well as a catalyst for a healthy environment.
