The environmental job training program at west end neighborhood house is a tuition-free, job training and employment placement program for delaware residents 18 years of age and older

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 3 awarded West End Neighborhood House Inc. a $200,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Brownfields Job Training Program (CFDA #66.815) to operate the Environmental Job Training Program at West End Neighborhood House from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2024. The program will provide employability skills training, environmental coursework, and job placement assistance to 64 unemployed and underemployed Delaware residents over eight cohorts. Trainees will earn eight credentials in topics such as OSHA 10, OSHA 40 (HAZWOPER), lead abatement, asbestos work, mold remediation, forklift operation, confined space entry, and soil sampling to gain the skills needed for employment in environmental remediation careers focused on brownfield sites in New Castle County. The program expects to place 50 graduates in full-time jobs and have 5 graduates continue their education, helping to reduce environmental contamination and create more sustainable communities.

The purpose of this award is for trainees to receive employability skills training, environmental coursework, and job placement assistance. Local employers have been involved in all aspects of the training programand employers serve as guest speakers in classes, attend job fairs, provide feedback on trainee interviews, and provide input on both soft skills and environmental remediation skills needed for trainees to successfully gain employment in the environmental field. The program will operate eight cohorts of eight trainees over a two-year period beginning in july 2021 and ending in june 2024. Activities to be performed include trainees earning eight credentials in topics such as OSHA 10, OSHA 40 (hazwoper), lead RRP, asbestos worker i, mold/microbial worker, forklift, confined space entry, and soil sampling. Those participating in training will have the opportunity to become employed in careers that reduce environmental contamination and provide more sustainable futures for the community, with emphasis on brownfields sites located in new castle county. West end neighborhood house will enroll 64 participants, have 58 graduate, place 50 graduates in employment and have 5 graduates pursue further education.