New program in N.S. trains Black, Indigenous and People of Colour in energy efficient trades
As the green economy grows in the Maritimes, it will open up more employment opportunities.
A pilot program through the Clean Foundation is a good example; the not-for-profit organization is recruiting in communities that too often have been overlooked.
“I’m from Chapel Island, or Potlotek First Nation in Cape Breton,” says trainee John Lameman. “I’m here because this is a great training opportunity and it’s never been done before.”
Lameman wants to be an energy advisor.
This free program trains Black, Indigenous and People of Colour with hands-on and virtual learning in trades that will help make homes in Nova Scotia more energy efficient.
“Clean is an environmental organization, but we also have a strong socio-equity side. We want to work at the crossroads between the environment and social issues,” says Sean Kelly, the energy programs director at Clean Foundation. “We know there’s a real growing demand for people working in clean energy, a green workforce, but we want to make sure that it does reach people that have been historically marginalized and not included in some sectors, and we want to make sure that this workforce really reflects our society,” says Sean Kelly, director of energy programs at Clean Foundation.
Its budget comes from the province, with additional funding from the Native Council of Nova Scotia.
Training will last several months with participants earning a living wage while receiving proper equipment and on-the-job training.
“We’re focusing on building science, and that’s the way that we’re going to help mitigate climate change, is to reduce the energy loads in houses but also help to reduce the carbonization within houses,” explains Blue House Energy CEO, Shawna Henderson.
Along with becoming energy advisors, the program also offers training in clean energy trades, such as insulation, draft proofing and heat pump maintenance.
Participants call it a life-changing opportunity.
“Even though we’re getting certified here in Nova Scotia, it’s literally something we can do around the world,” says trainee Rashelle Williams. “As they were telling us when we first started, there’s such a high demand for people in the energy sector and there’s not much diversity, so we’re hoping to shake that up.”
Working together to create a greener future for all communities.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Canucks claw out 5-4 comeback win over Oilers in Game 1
Dakota Joshua had a goal and two assists and the Vancouver Canucks scored three third-period goals to claw out a 5-4 comeback victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series Wednesday.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.