SALINAS, Calif.- With everyone going "green" these days, the need is increasing for people trained in green jobs from solar to construction and a local college is making it easier for students to get on board.
Hartnell College, in partnership with the Monterey County One-Stop Centers and the Office for Employment Training, is offering an accelerated 15-month certificate program in Sustainable Ag Tech and Green Construction for youths 16 to 24 years old, at the Center for Advanced Technology at Hartnell.
In a news release from the college, it said the program runs from October 3, 2011 to December 15, 2012, and includes coursework and hands-on work experience. Classes will be held Monday through Friday in the evenings, at the Alisal Campus, 1752 East Alisal Street, Salinas.
Textbooks, tutoring, career and academic counseling, and job placement assistance is included. Students will be eligible for $2,000 scholarships to support their studies.
The program teaches fundamental principles and technical skills in both green construction and agriculture industrial mechanics, as well as English and technical math. After two semesters of intensive introductory courses, students focus on agriculture technology or green construction for their summer and fall 2012 studies. At program completion, participants will receive a state-recognized college certificate in their chosen area.
Students may elect to earn additional industry licenses in areas such as solar installation, green plumbing, and LEED Associate.
"Special programs such as this provide wonderful opportunities for young people to make a difference in their own lives, as well as in the future of the Salinas Valley and its communities," explained Dr. Zahi K. Atallah, Dean of Advanced Technology in the news release. "We know from experience that a program of this sort can not only build technical skills and improve career readiness, but also foster leadership and problem-solving. We'll need all of those qualities for our 21st century workforce."
This project is supported by a Youth Career Technical Education grant of $499,950, from the California Community College Chancellor's Office and federal Workforce Investment Act funds. Participants must be citizens or legal residents of the US to participate.
