Union readies low-income trainees for Got Green jobs

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010226112_greenjobs08m.html

Originally published Sunday, November 8, 2009 at 12:16 AM

Graduates of the first weatherization training course sponsored by a laborers union in Seattle hope that billions in federal stimulus money to weatherize homes nationwide will create demand for the new skills they have learned.

By Molly Rosbach

Seattle Times staff reporter

Ahmalik Claiborne stood onstage at the Seattle Labor Temple last week and thanked Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) for restoring his faith in the idea that help can still reach those who need it most.

The 38-year-old knows all about trying to find help. He's been homeless for a year and a half.

Claiborne is one of 19 trainees to graduate from the first weatherization course held by the union's Local 242. The program aims to provide the work force necessary to weatherize homes and promote energy savings in the Seattle area.

The federal government is pouring $5 billion in economic-stimulus money into residential weatherization nationwide.

"I'm sure I can get a job," Claiborne said. "We are at the start of something good."

Half of the class were union members, but the other half — including Claiborne — were from an organization called Got Green, founded last year to help people from disadvantaged communities develop skills needed to pursue green jobs.

FULL story at link.

the entire idea is wonderful. this laborers union is implementing a service which unions were designed for and i thank them for it. best of luck to mr claiborne and all 19 trainees.

looking forward to hearing about many more stories just like this one ...