For Immediate Release 

Berkeley, California – August 10, 2015 – Rising Sun Energy Center’s Green Energy Training Services (GETS) will begin its 7th cohort this fall, beginning on Wednesday, September 9, 2015. GETS is a pre-apprenticeship job training program for adults who are interested in starting a career in Construction, Energy Efficiency, or Solar. Participants begin with a 9-week training intensive at the Rising Sun Berkeley office. After completing training, GETS participants benefit from ongoing case management and job placement assistance, as well as alumni events and resources.

Green Energy Training Services has offered a variety of training classes since 2009, after Rising Sun recognized the need to create pathways for interested low-income adults to enter the green economy. Since then, GETS’ impact on its more than 500 training participants has been unmatched. Over 75% of pre-apprenticeship participants have found employment, typically attaining roles as Weatherization Specialists, entry level Solar Installers, Construction tradesmen and women, and Apprentices with Building Trades unions.

GETS group hugging with Manny

GETS’ Director of Programs, Elena Foshay, is excited to begin another dynamic cohort.  “As a workforce development program, GETS provides high-quality training for in-demand careers in a supportive environment.  GETS goes beyond just 9 weeks of training, with the goal of helping participants achieve long-term economic sustainability.”

GETS is currently hosting mandatory information sessions for adults interested in participating in the program. All participants must be 18 years of age or older, have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, be fluent in English and be eligible to work in the United States.  A valid California driver’s license is strongly preferred. The next information sessions will be held on Wednesday, August 12 and Wednesday, August 26, 2015 at 1pm at Rising Sun Energy Center, 2998 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, California. Interested applicants should contact Melvin Parham, the GETS Case Manager.

CONTACT:

Melvin Parham

Case Manger

Rising Sun Energy Center

510-665-1501 ext. 202

parham@risingsunenergy.org

About Rising Sun Energy Center
Since 1994, Rising Sun Energy Center (Rising Sun) is a Berkeley-based non-profit with a mission to empower individuals to achieve environmental and economic sustainability for themselves and their communities. With a focus on under-served populations, Rising Sun provides youth and low-income adults with meaningful training and employment opportunities in the growing energy efficiency sector, while delivering no-cost energy upgrades to thousands of households each year.

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