Residents of Oakland and San Francisco will soon benefit from federal funds for “green” job training programs.  One of the keys to fostering growth in the green sector is developing a well-trained, specialized workforce.  These programs intend to train young people and re-entry workers in the emerging fields of solar installation, wind manufacturing and power generation, electric vehicle construction, and others that will foster a green economy.  

The City of Oakland’s Green Jobs Initiative will receive $285,000, which the City intends to apply toward already existing programs like the Oakland Green Jobs Corps.  The Green Job Corps is a collaboration among the City, community-based organizations, unions, and private companies.  Together, they aim to teach job skills to high school and community college students, in addition to adults that are new to the job market.  By increasing employment opportunities in the “green” sector, Oakland residents will be able to earn living wages and pursue careers in the burgeoning green economy.

The San Francisco Department of Economic and Workforce Development's Green Jobs Workforce Program will receive $238,000 to help implement the Green Jobs Workforce Development Training Pilot Program.  This program will include a construction academy focusing on green building techniques and applications, as well as an entry-level solar installation certification program.  It hopes to prepare residents to meet a specialized labor demand resulting from the city’s wide-ranging environmental programs.

I fully support both of these programs to train people for new jobs the emerging green economy.  These programs both give people new skills to better ensure their obtaining good-paying and reliable jobs while encouraging the growth of green economies because of a skilled workforce.

I am pleased that Oakland and San Francisco sought these federal funds and am pleased that they will be put to work so that more people can find good jobs.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator