Posted 12/19/2008 - 02:59:58pm by David Bank in Green Encores

(notes from the initial Green Encore working group brainstorming session)

There’s an opportunity to involve encore careerists of various backgrounds (i.e. trades, professional, business) in training and mentoring younger people in entry-level green-collar jobs. This would increase the capacity of existing organizations that are already working on creating green opportunities for youth and disadvantaged communities (Green for All, Apollo Alliance, etc.), and counter perception of generational competition (a concern expressed by several people in our group).

Rick Cherry described an one- or two-week orientation or symposia on green encore opportunities, which could serve as a green-transition for people with experience in adjacent fields (i.e. electricians, plumbers, building trades people; also managers and educator/trainers). Partnerships with job training programs, youth job, national service, community college and other green-collar career pipelines, the encores could identify short- or long-term stints as trainers, mentors, advisors, team leaders, consultants.

Lee Botts suggested enlisting support of trades unions in this.) Joe James suggested that a first step is an inventory of existing job training efforts (such as SCSEP and the EPA’s Senior Environmental Employment Program)

David Bank is also working on this idea, and has interested partners in the East Bay (SF) and Milwaukee in addition to NY (Rick C.).

• Login or register to post comments
• Email this page