Colorado Gov. Ritter Announces New Green Jobs College Certificate Program

Sept. 30, 2009 -- LAKEWOOD -- Colorado Governor Bill Ritter was joined today by leaders in education and energy to announce two new educational tools that will help strengthen Colorado's clean energy workforce: a community college green jobs certificate and a green jobs guidebook.

"Colorado's New Energy Economy is leading America toward a new energy future, and Colorado's community colleges are leading the way," Gov. Ritter said during an announcement ceremony at Red Rocks Community College. "This new certificate program and guidebook will serve as a national model as we provide students and the workforce with the skills, knowledge and opportunities they need in order to succeed in the New Energy Economy."

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The new community colleges certificate program, "Green Advantage" will teach the latest in green construction practices and technologies. Colorado's certificate program is the first of its kind in the country and will serve as a national template for how to prepare and credential workers in green building.

"Red Rocks Community College is dedicated to preparing the workforce for green jobs," said RRCC President Michele Haney. "The 86 percent growth in our energy and environmental technology program demonstrates that we are serving student demands. We are pleased to be one of the first schools to implement the Green Advantage certification program."

"We are excited to be a part of such a cutting edge program and are proud of the community colleges' abilities to be flexible and responsive to the needs of businesses and workforce development," said Nancy McCallin, president of the Colorado Community College System, which represents 13 community colleges throughout Colorado.

Gov. Ritter also announced a new resource for those who want to work in clean energy, "Careers for Colorado's New Energy Economy." The Governor's Energy Office and the Environmental Defense Fund partnered on this project to provide details on green jobs in energy efficiency, wind, solar, recycling, waste management, smart grid, biomass and geothermal energy in Colorado.

"This green jobs handbook is unlike anything yet produced in Colorado," said Tom Plant, director of the Governor's Energy Office. "It provides job-seekers critical data about the jobs needed in each industry and how to train for those jobs. It's a valuable tool for students, for veterans, for anyone considering opportunities in our new energy workforce."

Source: Colorado Governor