FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2023
Contact: Katherine Trombetta, 417-880-6306
or [email protected]
EPA Regional Administrator in Springfield for Check Presentation
The City of Springfield Department of Workforce Development is hosting a ceremonial check presentation with EPA Regional Administrator for Region 7, Meg McCollister, on Tuesday, January 10, 11:30 am, at the Missouri Job Center located at 2900 E. Sunshine Street in Springfield. The EPA has selected the city for a half million dollar grant to expand the Green for Greene environmental job training program.
“We are grateful to the EPA for their continued support of the Green for Greene program and the increased investment to expand the program and reach more individuals,” said Springfield City Manager Jason Gage. “The job training offered truly changes lives and allows participants to receive up to 14 industry recognized credentials that will help them find higher paying environmental related jobs,” Gage added.
With the increased funding, Green for Greene will offer an additional certification tied to environmental cleanup. Participants will now have the option of two credential tracks based on their career goals. At the conclusion of each cohort a job fair will be held to connect graduates with employers. In addition, the program will be expanded to train justice involved individuals prior to their release date to help them find employment once they are out of prison.
“We will now be able to offer evening classes in addition to daytime classes to support the schedules of individuals who are already in the workforce but want to upskill. This allows the flexibility to be able to work while earning credentials that lead to environmental related jobs,” said Ericka Schmeeckle, Interim Director of Workforce Development. “We are also excited about offering training to the justice involved to help them ease the transition back into society,” Schmeeckle said.
The department has previously received four rounds of EPA funding in the amount of $200,000 per round. In addition to the 13 certifications currently offered, the program will now expand to offer a CDL with Hazmat Endorsement.
After the check presentation the EPA delegation will tour several brownfields sites around the city to see the outcome of past grants and how the city has benefited.
To apply for this FREE training opportunity or for more information, visit www.springfieldmo.gov/greenforgreene or call the Missouri Job Center at 417-887-4343.
For media inquiries, contact Communications Coordinator Katherine Trombetta at 417-880-6306 or [email protected].
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The Missouri Job Center is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services available on request to individuals with disabilities. MO TTY users may call 800-735-2966 or contact MO Relay at 711.