Building Green Futures, funded by the Whole-Home Repair Program in partnership with STEP and SEDA-COG, provided exclusive training and unique access to both classroom credentials and hands-on work experience in the home energy and construction industries.
The paid three-week career exploration program was held in June at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Clean Energy Center on Reach Road, Williamsport. Participants were matched to local PA Weatherization Assistance Program employers STEP, Inc. and SEDA-COG to complete their mentored field assignment. During the program, participants had a 1:1 intern to mentor ratio for job shadowing.
Building Green Futures offers meaningful pathways into career and supportive systems to provide underrepresented populations access to energy efficiency employment. Removing barriers to entry is a key aspect of the program and vital to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce. Participants receive free access to training, meals during training, stipend, and reimbursement for childcare, elder care, and travel.
In addition to construction-related workforce development initiatives, the Whole-Home Repair Program, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, allows county-wide agencies to address habitability and safety concerns, improve energy efficiency, and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities. PCT’s Clean Energy Center is helping to fill a significant current and future shortfall in qualified workers to improve the state of housing in Pennsylvania.
