The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administered a $200,000 grant to a Philadelphia nonprofit group this week to help train local residents for environmental jobs. The grant went to the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and will specifically be used to train locals on environmental cleanup positions. ECA is one of 18 organizations located across the U.S. that were chosen to receive the EPA’s Environmental Workforce Development and Job Training grants.
“This funding will expand the local workforce needed in Philadelphia to reuse and revitalize contaminated properties,” said EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “EPA is proud to support ECA and its partners in training people for environmental jobs that can help create healthier neighborhoods and contribute to Philadelphia’s vision of a green, sustainable city.”
The grant is enough to provide training for 67 individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and are residents of North Philadelphia. The training will include education on environmental careers and cleanup work and will also provide students with a seven federal or state certifications and licenses.
The training will be conduction at ECA’s Knight Training Center, a nationally accredited center for training. Trainers will also assist participants in job placement.
“We are delighted to be able to expand our training in environmental careers, to offer people the credentials they need to land firmly on a career ladder, and help build a more sustainable future,” states Liz Robinson, ECA’s Executive Director.
The ECA works to provide programs to conserve energy and promote a sustainable energy future. They are also the largest provider of energy and water conservation services to low income residents living in the Philadelphia region.
For more information on this specific grant, click here.