Local youth join new construction trades academy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2023
Press Contact:
Jackie Nuñez, Bilingual Communications Manager
(925) 695-2124 | communications@mceCleanEnergy.org
SAN RAFAEL and 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.
The 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.”
To learn more about the NextGen Trades Academy, visit https://www.thelimefoundation.org/nextgen-trades-academy/
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About MCE: MCE is a not-for-profit public agency and the preferred electricity provider for more than 586,000 customer accounts and 1.5 million residents and businesses across Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, and Solano counties. Setting the standard for clean energy in California since 2010, MCE leads with 60-100% renewable power at stable rates, delivering a 1,400 MW peak load and significantly reducing greenhouse emissions and reinvesting millions in local programs. For more information about MCE, visit mceCleanEnergy.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), the 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.
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