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
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say
A man who doused himself in an accelerant and set himself on fire outside the courthouse where former U.S. President Donald Trump is on trial has died, police said.
Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza city of Rafah kills at least 9 Palestinians, including 6 children
An Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city killed at least nine people, six of them children, hospital authorities said Saturday, as Israel pursued its nearly seven-month offensive in the besieged Palestinian territory.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
The House is on the brink of approving aid for Ukraine and Israel after months of struggle
The House is preparing in a rare Saturday session to approve US$95 billion in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.