Local youth join new construction trades academy
PARA PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA
December 4, 2023
Contacto de prensa:
Jackie Nuñez, Directora de Comunicación Bilingüe
(925) 695-2124 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL y CONCORD, Calif. —Job growth is strong in the green building sector and is expected to expand. A new academy for Marin County youth is helping develop the next-generation workforce by teaching construction trades at no cost.
La LIME Foundation has expanded the NextGen Trades Academy, a job training class connecting underserved youth to green careers, into Marin County. Sixteen youth between the ages of 18 and 24 started learning skills in the construction trades in November.
“The NextGen Trades Academy provides a pathway to success for at-risk youth who are unable to attend college,” said Letitia Hanke, Founder and Executive Director of the LIME Foundation. “I was one of those at-risk youth in college attempting to figure out my career when I was introduced to roofing as an option. Twenty-seven years later, as the CEO of my own roofing company, I recognize the importance of creating a pathway for our youth and that’s why the LIME Foundation was created.”
The new academy is offered through a partnership between the LIME Foundation, MCE, the County of Marin, BayREN, MarinCAN, and the Transportation Authority of Marin. Sponsors have contributed a total of over $42,000 to offer the class for young learners at no cost.
“California’s clean energy future relies on the construction of new clean energy projects by a highly trained workforce. It’s key that we create opportunities for young people entering the workforce to be a part of this transformation,” said Dawn Weisz, CEO of MCE. “MCE has committed nearly $2 million to training our local workforce and creating family-sustaining jobs in the clean energy industry.”
Youth in the NextGen Trades Academy will:
- Participate online and in person at no cost,
- Receive safety certifications and 18 months of mentorship and career counseling, and
- Explore construction trades such as architecture, plumbing, building, and solar technology.
“We are excited to support this excellent training opportunity for Marin youth,” said Dana Armanino, Principal Sustainability Planner at the County of Marin. “As we encourage more residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes and shift from fossil gas appliances to high efficiency electric units, it is important to have a strong workforce to support the increased demand.”
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Acerca de MCE: MCE es una agencia pública sin ánimo de lucro y el proveedor de electricidad preferido de más de 586.000 cuentas de clientes y 1,5 millones de residentes y empresas de los condados de Contra Costa, Marin, Napa y Solano. Estableciendo el estándar de energía limpia en California desde 2010, MCE lidera con energía renovable 60-100% a tarifas estables, entregando una carga máxima de 1.400 MW y reduciendo significativamente las emisiones de efecto invernadero y reinvirtiendo millones en programas locales. Para más información sobre MCE, visite mceEnergíaLimpia.org, or follow us on your preferred social platform @mceCleanEnergy
About the County of Marin: The Marin County Community Development Agency Sustainability Team works to support healthy, safe, and sustainable communities while preserving Marin’s environmental heritage. Stay connected with the County’s Sustainability Team via Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter)El event webpage for workshops and community events and the quarterly newsletter. Contact the office via email with questions on our programs or to request more information.
About the LIME Foundation: The LIME Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting at-risk and underserved youth in California’s North Bay through vocational training, mentorship, and career opportunities. Since 2015, the program has reached over 503 individuals by providing life-changing skills in technology, health, music, and performing arts. To learn more, visit www.thelimefoundation.org, connect on Facebook, or email support@thelimefoundation.org.
