Groundwork RI Launches EPA Green Jobs Training In Pawtucket

PAWTUCKET, RI — Environmental justice is a rising theme, and now four Rhode Island communities — Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, and Central Falls — will benefit from a green jobs training program funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

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Groundwork Rhode Island in Pawtucket was just selected by the EPA for a $200,000 environmental workforce development and job training grant. Groundwork will train up to 56 people, with a focus on those who need it most. The program is designed to help adults who have experienced barriers to employment, and those who live in areas historically affected by hazardous waste and brownfield sites.

The training program includes 185 hours of instruction leading to various federal certifications. Participants who complete the program will become qualified for jobs connected with environmental assessment and cleanup.

A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in America, according to the EPA.

“The professional training provided with this EPA grant will help dozens of Rhode Island trainees to learn high-demand professional skills,” said EPA New England Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Szaro.

At a virtual press event held Thursday, Szaro said a skilled workforce is needed in areas where hazardous waste and brownfield cleanup and assessment are taking place. The idea is to reduce environmental contamination, build a sustainable future, strengthen local economies, and place people in good jobs.

U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Rep. David Cicilline participated in the event and each offered words of encouragement and praise. “Workers skilled in environmental remediation will continue to be in demand for decades to come as contaminated relics of the state’s industrial past are converted to new productive uses,” said Whitehouse.

“Protecting and improving our environment is one of the most important things we can do to create jobs, expand opportunities, and improve the quality of life for every Rhode Islander,” said Cicilline.

U.S. Sen. Jack Reed issued a statement saying the federal grant will help Rhode Islanders earn a good paycheck while improving the environment and revitalizing communities. The training program will “ensure Rhode Island has a well-trained workforce ready to fill in-demand jobs,” he said.

Amelia Rose, executive director of Groundwork Rhode Island, said she’s pleased the organization’s adult job training program will be funded by the EPA moving foward. “Environmental jobs are in the business of protecting people's health and building a more resilient future. Groundwork Rhode Island is thrilled to continue training local residents to meet these challenges,” she said.

Groundwork Rhode Island won EPA Brownfields Job Training Grants five times between 2002 and 2015. The new grant pushes the cumulative total to more than $940,000. The group now plans to train 56 students and place them in jobs.

Participants will become certified in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response Training, or “HAZWOPER.” They will have access to training in OSHA construction site safety, confined space entry, lead renovation, remodeling and painting, and forklift operation. They will learn about soil sampling, indoor air quality, mold and vapor intrusion, wastewater treatment, green infrastructure, urban tree standards, water testing and sampling, green roofs, and Energy Star design.

“We are so pleased that our adult job training program will continue to be supported over the next few years with this 2021 environmental job training grant from the U.S. EPA,” said Rose.

Two developments in Pawtucket have recently received brownfields grants from the state to aid in site preparation. They are the riverfront Tidewater Landing development as well Dexter Street Commons near the coming train station, The Valley Breeze previously reported.

The green infrastructure training program is in response to major flooding events, severe urban water quality impairments, and recent enforcement of Clean Water Act protections. Stormwater management has taken center stage across Rhode Island, according to the EPA.

Key partners with Groundwork include the Providence Housing Authority, Progreso Latino, Providence Stormwater Innovation Center, Green Site Services Group, Inc., the Genesis Center, Children’s Friend, the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center, Aerotek, Rhode Island Housing, and Tremco Roofing and Building Maintenance.

The EPA program, launched in 1998, awards competitive grants to cities, nonprofits and other entities to recruit, train and place unemployed and underemployed individuals. Many are from low-income neighborhoods or are dislocated workers who lost their jobs due to plant closures or other circumstances.

Those who wish to participate in green jobs training should contact Groundwork Rhode Island. The organization has set up an online application portal. Those who would like a paper application should call (401) 305-7174 or send an email to Amelia Rose at arose@groundworkri.org.