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A $255,840 “Oklahoma Green” grant awarded to East Central University, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, will train, certify and place up to 200 workers who will become eligible for “green jobs” in energy efficiency and renewable energy occupations.

The free courses will be offered throughout the year in Ada, Ardmore and Durant.

The Southern Oklahoma Green Jobs Training Consortium is sponsoring the training. The consortium includes ECU, the Southern Oklahoma Workforce Board, Chickasaw Nation Career Services, Dr. Green Energy, Byng and Ada Public Schools and the Pontotoc Technology Center.

The first day-long training, which will begin April 16 [SATURDAY] at ECU and continue on the next two Saturdays, will lead to national certification as a LEED Green Associate (LGA). It is open to 20 participants and is designed for non-technical fields of expertise in basic green building concepts. It is designed for students preparing for employment with companies who implement green building practices.

The name of the course is Green Building Science, LEED 201: Core Concepts & Strategies.

Twenty workers also can receive their Photovoltaic Science Certificates from ECU as well as certificates for training on various components of PV Systems. That 24-hour course will be held over three days, May 10 through May 12. It will introduce students to the process of designing and installing a small photovoltaic system suitable for a private residence.

The course prepares students for employment with contractors who install alternative energy systems. They will learn about electrical concepts used in design systems and how to assess solar resources and evaluate potential installation sites. They will receive experience assembling and operating a small photovoltaic system and become familiar with system components typical of those used for residential installations.

Separate weatherization classes will be held for unemployed workers and to enhance training for employed workers.

The Weatherization Worker Enhancement course includes 10 afternoon classes for 40 hours of training and certifications in basic weatherization science, blower door operation, basic building thermography, infrared camera, operation and theory, and energy audit. It is open to 20 participants from May 2 to May 13. Participants must have a written statement from their managers stating their support of the employee’s training,why the employee needs the training and how the employee’s job duties will reflect the new training.

Weatherization Science for Unemployed Workers is an 80-hour course over two weeks, starting May 16. It includes basic environmental science, computer proficiency, basic weatherization science, blower door procedures, energy audits and thermography principles. ECU certifications will be offered in basic computer operation, introduction to environmental health science, basic operation and theory, and energy audit. Twenty participants will be allowed.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens or be eligible to work in the United States. They must be in compliance with the Selective Service Act and will have to provide proper documentation, including a driver’s license and Social Security number.

Unemployed workers need to go to their local Workforce One Stop Centers first. If they are eligible for the training, they will be recommended to ECU for enrollment in their choice of training.

For more information or to check eligibility requirements, contact Jannason Long at ECU at 580-559-5859 or jlong@ecok.edu or visit www.ecok.edu/sogreen.

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