Intro To Green Job Training

Posted on 01. Feb, 2009 by jeff in Veterans Green Jobs Academy

What makes a Veterans Green Jobs Education and Training Program?

Veterans Green Jobs (VGJ), in partnership with several educational institutions and training organizations have developed and are continuing to develop, different education platforms that provide veterans with the needed expertise, certification, and in some cases, college credit, required to enter into, or start their own green career pathways or continue their education in fields related to energy and environmental security. Current program offerings center around the Home Energy Audit Training or HEAT program, with solar and wind programs planned to start in the summer and fall of 2010. While the programs provide specific skills, they are all doorways to multiple career opportunities and strengthening a veteran’s already strong resume. What makes a VGJ education and training program unique is the addition of an introductory class called ‘Green 101’ that helps veterans see the connection between ‘green careers’ and national security; service learning opportunities; and the VGJ Veterans Development model.

Home Energy Audit Training (HEAT^TM), where VGJ began

The first education program offered by Veterans Green Jobs and the model, for which other education programs are based, is a high intensity-training program that trains participants in home energy efficiency survey and auditing procedures. HEAT is the first energy auditing and environmental awareness curriculum specifically for veterans. Graduates have the opportunity to take the Building Professional Institute’s certification test and gain additional certification to work as energy auditing, rating, and weatherization professionals at both the local, state, and national levels. Participants receive on-the-job training in weatherization services that include insulation, HVAC, lighting and controls, window replacement, and electrical work. Educational institutions recognize VGJ’s curriculum enabling participants to receive either trade-recognized training certificates or move on to complete two or four year degrees. VGJ strives for accreditation of its HEAT training program to ensure veterans can utilize their GI benefits to cover weatherization-training costs for the first time in our country’s history.

Sustainability Boot Camp

A comprehensive survey of issues surrounding environmental and energy sociology, technology, history, Sustainability Boot Camp investigates how energy production and use can and does influence the United States’ national security, economic stability, and community health. Green 101 is the keystone course for all VGJ training and education programs. The course is always evolving and includes a wide range of viewpoints on many issues. While many of the issues in Green 101 are at times contentious, the course does not make judgments, but gives a framework for analytical thinking and lets veterans come to their own conclusions about what impacts the environment and energy have on America’s national security.

Service Learning

Veterans all chose to serve in the military at some level because they understand the need and value of sacrifice for their country. Building off of the innate strength of this rare decision, VGJ believes one of the best ways to improve a veteran’s transition experience is to communalize the veteran experience and to ensure veterans find a way to plug back into their communities. Each education and training program has a certain amount of community-centered service opportunities around environmental, energy, outdoor recreation, or veterans’ issues.