"We Build Green" Connects Local Workers to the Green Economy

LAUSD's Latest Workforce Development Program Trains Local "Green" Workforce
	
(Los Angeles) - Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Facilities Services Division, in partnership with the 
Division of Adult and Career Education, launched its latest construction workforce development program, "We Build 
Green" today at the East Los Angeles Skills Center (ELASC).  Participants in the "We Build Green" program will 
receive state approved construction training focused on solar technology, design and installation and will be 
competitively positioned for jobs created from LAUSD's goal of 50 megawatts of solar installations by 2012.

"'We Build' Green is about building a brighter future together," Board President Mónica García said.  "Today we are 
building greener schools that teach our children the value of energy conservation, while creating careers and jobs for 
our community."

"East Los Angeles Skills Center has been on the cutting edge of solar education for the past two years," ELASC 
Principal Wendy Ramirez said.  "We are proud that our quality programs have produced a steady stream of 
successful candidates who have gone on to good paying jobs in the solar industry, with several starting their own 
green businesses."

The "We Build Green" program provides 400 hours of instruction and training.  The first phase of the program consists 
of 160 hours of instruction, including an introduction to solar technology and installation.  Students that successfully 
complete this portion of the program will be qualified to enroll in a course to prepare them for nationally recognized 
solar installation certification.  The "We Build Green" program will connect its graduates to contractors installing solar 
panels on District facilities, and to union apprenticeship programs.  

LAUSD's original "We Build" program has provided pre-apprenticeship construction training to local district residents 
since 2004 to help meet a 50 percent local worker participation goal.  Once participants complete "We Build" training, 
they are competitively positioned for placement on LAUSD construction projects through contractors or local trade 
unions.  The "We Build" program provides district residents with access to a career that provides good pay, benefits 
and a pension through union apprenticeship.  

"Beyond building and modernizing schools, one of our greatest successes continues to be our workforce 
development programs for residents in our communities," LAUSD Chief Facilities Executive Guy Mehula said.  "'We 
Build Green' will help us reach our goal of 50 megawatts of solar installations at our facilities by 2012, and will invest 
in the economic health of the Los Angeles region." 

ELASC has been a leader in Solar Electricity Education for the past two years.  ELASC was the first public education 
provider of solar installation education in Southern California, and the first North American Board of Certified 
Practitioners provider in the region.  

Built on the "We Build" program model for the construction trades, "We Build Green" is strategically designed to train 
local residents to support the District's planned $200 million solar investment.  The "We Build Green" and "We Build" 
are part of LAUSD's $20.1 Billion New School Construction & Modernization Program (Measures BB, K, R and Y).  
The building program is designed to eliminate involuntary busing and year round calendars by providing safe and 
healthy neighborhood schools on a traditional, two-semester calendar for every student.  To date, LAUSD has 
completed 76 new schools, 59 additions, 80,000 new K-12 classroom seats and 18,000 modernization and repair 
projects at schools throughout the District.  For more information, please visit www.laschools.org. 

To enroll in "We Build Green," please contact the East Los Angeles Skills Center, 3921 Selig Place, Los Angeles, CA 
90032 at (323) 224-5970.  Participants must reside within the boundaries of LAUSD, possess a valid driver's license 
and social security card, as well as mastery of ninth-grade level math.
#   #   #

Contributed by Admin User