Education in Energy Efficiency and Construction at Sierra College

Rocklin, Calif.- – Young men and women at the California Conservation Corps Placer Energy Center in Auburn, CA are receiving Technical Education in Energy Efficiency and Construction (TE³C) that will prepare them for sustainable careers as a result of a grant secured by the Center for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT) (sierracollegetraining.com) at Sierra College in Rocklin, CA.

CCC members considering green careers participated in an Orientation to Green Construction, Weatherization and Building Science Basics in July. The first CCC members start the TE³C training August 16 and four crews are expected to participate in the pilot program.

Sierra College CACT developed the 128 hour TE³C course to prepare Corps members for entry-level employment in the Energy Efficiency Construction Industry. CCC members will benefit from a combination of lecture and hands-on training in weatherization, building science basics, worker safety, weatherization measures, energy efficiency and alternative energy fundamentals.  As part of the course, crews will build, retrofit and weatherize CCC base camp structures. In addition, the CCC plans to support state agencies in retrofitting facilities to reduce their energy consumption.

Rod Thornhill, Conservation Administrator II, CCC, expects TE³C to become a state-wide model. ‘Our goal is to prepare CCC members for highly-paid, in-demand local jobs,’ said Thornhill. ‘Sierra College CACT has given us a wonderful opportunity to teach practical safety, construction, weatherization and energy retrofit skills that complement work assignments with state agencies. As the TE³C program tagline says, ‘Sustainability Starts Here.’ Not only will Corps members have marketable skills, they’ll have an excellent foundation to build rewarding careers. The CCC will become the training ground for technicians to fill growing demand statewide.’

Sierra College CACT developed the coursework based on US Department of Energy’s Weatherization guidelines, the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) weatherization program, core competencies of the Weatherization Assistance Program, and to comply with the PG&E Energy Partners program.

TE³C will open ‘green collar’ career paths to local youth and supply qualified workers to local businesses explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, CACT Director for Sierra College, and grant project manager. ‘The Sacramento Region is expected to have the highest rate of green job growth (87%) in the state according to Clean Tech Job Trends 2009 prepared by Clean Edge, Inc,” said Pepper-Kittredge. “In addition, as many as 3,530 new green jobs will be created in the Sacramento region through 2012 according to Centers of Excellence, Environmental Scan: Energy Efficient Occupations. TE³C graduates will have the skills and experience to qualify for many of the expected entry level positions.’  Those who complete the TE³C training may also choose to continue their studies through the Sierra College Energy Technology photovoltaic program.

The California Community College Chancellor’s Office, Economic and Workforce Development Program provided the $205,000 grant to develop workers’ skills to meet a growing demand for energy efficiency technicians. In addition to the CCC workforce development project, CACT is offering manufacturers energy efficiency training that aligns with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles to make local companies more competitive globally by reducing energy costs. Since 1992, Sierra College CACT has worked with businesses, manufacturers and technology companies in Northern California.