California Clean Energy Workforce Training Program (CCEW-TP) Graduates 21 Green Plumbers from Local 159 in Martinez, CA
Green Plumbers USA is pleased to announce the completion of certification requirements for 21 plumbers in water and energy conservation through plumbing efficiencies. Under the guidance of the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board, the group represented the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters, local 159 in Martinez as displaced construction workers of high skill seeking to combine environmental literacy in the green building trades with whole-building residential retrofitting.
The graduates listed below underwent 32 hours of training in Green Plumbers core curriculum, including Caring For Our Water, Climate Care, Water Efficient Technologies, Solar Hot Water and Inspection Report Services. The number one goal of the program is to provide a regional workforce initiative driven by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to reach the state goal of 40% energy reduction in homes by 2020. The demand for these retrofits will fuel the creation of 1500 jobs over the next two years. Plumbers are rapidly becoming “Champions of Conservation” of the resources of the planet! The California Energy Commission asserts that 19% of California's energy is expended in the water cycle. Certified Green Plumbers recognize the opportunity to save consumers money on water and sewer bills through auditing and retrofits. And not merely appliance retrofits such as high efficiency toilets, showerheads and aerators, but water conserving systems like gray water and rainwater capture as well. It is these efforts that will lead to higher energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gases.
The initiatives' efforts include training classes taught by Build It Green, California Building Performance Contractors Association who, with Green Plumbers seek to provide job placement in multiple pathways through short and long term upward mobility strategies. Four East Bay Community Colleges are also working alongside this effort to exert higher educational opportunities in capacity building.
Green Plumberscongratulates the following individuals and commits to working closely with Local 159 and these members to return them to positions of strong employment:
- Alexander, Jacob
- Bowyer, Cory
- Cronk, Kathi
- Ellis, Wayne
- Fessenden, James
- Franson, James
- Hartman, Sean
- Kauka, Earl
- Kobata, Ronald
- Lester, Jason
- Little, Thomas
- Loyola, Ignacio
- Marshall, Garrett
- Mitchell, Daniel
- Paschall, Michael
- Patterson, Lee
- Rivera, Albert
- Rodriguez, Pedro
- Thomas, Rufus
- White, Stephen
- Williams, Dane