Rebuilding the Wall Work Readiness Program

Goal & Mission:  The Rebuilding the Wall Work Readiness Program (RTW) was designed with one purpose in mind: put underemployed and unemployed Ithacans into green and/or energy-related jobs. To do this, the program is developed to provide basic skilled, workforce developed, and job retentive people in the ever expanding job marked as outlined in the Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) Act. This program provides training for those with an expressed interest in green careers, committed to growth and who demonstrate a desire to succeed through partnerships with Cornell Cooperative Extension, TAITEM Engineering and Snug Planet.

Current Stage of Development:  RTW has operated at an informal, grassroots level for the past year. Cohorts of 5-7 individuals have advanced through a pre-established curriculum.  Job skills obtained by participants through the training and workshop courses include basic workplace etiquette (problem solving, decision making, and team building), basic mathematical calculations, presentation and communication, general office and data entry using computer equipment. Industry specific job skills include commercial grade lighting installation/retrofitting and residential energy auditing and/or weatherization. The training/workshop series are designed to improve employability of our target audience as well as prepare them for jobs in the green and energy job markets. Each step in the course series is also designed to move the participants from unemployed-to-employed in a stepwise manner. This includes addressing employability issues and filling the gaps with specific skills development in areas necessary for interviewing by potential employers and eventual job placement.

Vehicle for Investment and/or Building Local Community Capacity:  The training consists of three components that address the potential for building local community capacity.  They are as follows: Work Readiness and Life Skills Development, Introduction to Green/Energy Jobs, and Seeking and Keeping Work. Under the Work Readiness and Life Skills Development component, RTW has developed an informal partnership with Workforce Tompkins to administer training in skills such a basic math up to algebra, adult literacy, eco-literacy, and basic computer and communication skills as a part of Workforce Tompkins’ current offerings. Through the Introduction to Green/Energy Jobs component, participants receive information about the green and energy job industries, initiatives throughout the State of New York according to the Green Jobs/Green New York Act, and the skills, education and/or experience needed to be a “green” employee. Under the Seeking and Keeping Work component, participants solidify their understanding of what is expected and required during job searches, the job application process, interviews, employment probationary periods, and retaining employment. These trainings are designed to meet the demonstrated need for soft and foundational skill classes for new entrants into the green jobs workforce. The training will prepare, complement or reinforce participant skills in green construction, the workplace, and energy auditing, which will all help to build the capacity for creating a skilled, trained workforce to address implementation of energy efficiency upgrades and retrofits.

For more information contact Reverend Nathaniel Wright at cbcithaca.org