FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Berkeley, California – October 29, 2015 – On Friday, November 6, 2015 at 3pm, Rising Sun Energy Center’s Green Energy Training Services (GETS) will celebrate the graduation of its fall cohort at Rising Sun’s headquarters in Berkeley. GETS is a pre-apprenticeship job training program for adults who are interested in starting a career in the construction, energy efficiency, or solar industries. After completing training, GETS participants benefit from ongoing case management and job placement assistance, as well as alumni events and resources.

Since 2009, Green Energy Training Services has offered courses aimed at creating pathways for low-income adults to enter the green economy. From the beginning, GETS’ impact on its more than 450 training participants has been unparalleled, with over 75% of graduates finding employment. In addition to gaining hands-on construction skills, earning OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR Certification, and mastering skills in applied math and eco-literacy, this cohort has volunteered twice with Habitat Humanity working on affordable housing projects in Martinez, installed solar panels on low-income family homes in Richmond with Grid Alternatives, and has been introduced to pathways to apprenticeships with building trades unions.

Elena Foshay, Rising Sun’s Director of Adult Programs is thrilled for another chance to acknowledge the hard work of Rising Sun’s participants at graduation. “This group of participants is graduating at a time when the construction industry is booming.  I am so proud of their accomplishment and excited to help them reach their employment goals.”

Training is only the beginning of Rising Sun’s commitment to these graduates. The staff will be working with each graduate to help them identify and pursue job opportunities while overcoming any obstacles to employment success.  Additionally, graduation marks the beginning of a two-week elective course on solar installation offered to those looking to pursue a career in the solar industry. Class participants will receive an introduction to Solar PV Systems, hands-on-training in solar installation, and guidance on pursuing employment in the industry.

About Rising Sun Energy Center

Rising Sun Energy Center is a 501c3 non-profit organization headquartered in Berkeley, California, operating throughout California, in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Joaquin, Solano, and Sonoma counties. Rising Sun is a workforce development organization focusing on training, employment, and green career pathways for both youth and adults. Rising Sun Energy Center’s mission is to empower individuals to achieve environmental and economic sustainability for themselves and their communities. For information regarding Rising Sun Energy Center, please visit our website at http://risingsunopp.org.

Press Contact:

Marrion Johnson

Communications and Development Coordinator

johnson@risingsunenergy.org

510-665-1501 ext 106

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