I’ve been at school studying green career topics

Hello,
I’m back after 4 months of radio silence, and I’m sorry I disappeared. I enrolled in a “Green Careers Academy” worker retraining program. The classes were so interesting and intense that I got immersed. This blog suffered, but I’m back with a strong will to make up for it. Plus, I’m a lot smarter about real clean energy opportunities.

I live in San Jose, California and here there is help for the unemployed, so I got a free enrollment in our local “Green Careers Academy” taught at CTC. If you have a similar program locally, I strongly recommend you consider taking a few months to smarten up.

I’ll use the remaining space to describe in detail the curriculum.

GREEN CAREERS ACADEMY
The goal is the prepare folks for careers in Green Jobs — jobs that reduce waste and pollution and benefit the environment. This curriculum includes basic construction foundation core curriculum with a ten hour, national certification from OSHA.

At first we covered basic construction themes:

• 1. Tool Identification and Usage (24 hours)
  In this component, trainees learn the proper us of 11 tools, including hammer, screwdriver, wrenches, pliers, snips, hacksaw, miter box, level, nut and ratchet drivers.

• 2. Small Power Tools (12 hours)
  Trainees learn the proper usage and safety factors for building and construction trades power tools.
These topics seemed basic on the agenda, but in the classroom I learned many practical tips.
• 3. Occupational Math and Blueprint Reading (65 hours)
  This section provides review and instruction in computation, fractions, measurements, spatial problems solving and includes blueprint reading and interpretation.

  This was a great refresher since my math skills had degraded a bit since high school. After lots of hard thinking, I’m on top of these ideas now.

• 4. Safety on the Job with OSHA Certification (12 hours)
  Instruction related to workplace safety standards in the building and construction trades.

• 5. Sexual Harassment (8 hours)
  Trainees learn about sexual harassment in a male dominated work environment.

• 6. Energy Specialist (40 hours)
  Against a backdrop of degree day theory, building science concepts for calculating and measuring energy saving and payback, infiltration theory, approved retrofit lists and codes. The participant will learn home energy auditing techniques and apply them in lab exercises. Those techniques will enable blower door guided air leakage tests, heat system testing, material estimating, measuring, safety measures, ductwork solutions, air sealing measures, accessing attics, etc.

  Weatherization Specialist
  This course is perfect for individuals wishing to becomes certified to do weatherization jobs or to supplement residential energy auditing or inspection services. This course is delivered in a blended format online with hands on lab. The online component contains text, audio, videos, images and diagrams. This course involves the student with the learning and makes learning weatherization terminology fast and easy through the use of interactive flashcards, practice quizzes, and other interactive leaning tools.

  Residential Energy auditor
  This course is designed to train the future generation of residential energy auditors to inspect and make small retrofit recommendations in exiting homes. This training will also walk the student through the step by step process of how to set up their own business performing residential energy audits. At the end of the classroom and field training, the student will be proficient in identifying energy targets, calculating the home energy use, identifying alternatives, and how to professionally install each of the recommended energy conservation measures. The student will also learn how to accurately complete a scope of work and a comprehensive report.

  This part of the course was most exciting. Going into the class, I was focused solely on solar marketing and sales. After becoming enthused by the material and field, in addition to solar, I am now looking for work as an Energy Auditor. It’s fun!

• 8. Solar Photo Voltaic with optional Certification (56 hours)
  This course introduces the student to solar photovoltaic (PV) power syetms and their installation. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will have a rudimentary knowledge of residential and commercial solar systems. Students will be able to earn the North American Board of Energy Practitioner’s (NABCEP) entry level Certificate of Knowledge.

  My classmates and I volunteered to request equipment donations from solar manufacturers and companies, for the learning benefit of future classes at CTC (a non-profit school). Actual solar fieldwork was the responsibility of the students to arrange. Many of my fellow students volunteered (on their own time) to participate in solar installations through local companies.

• 9. Final Project and Field Work (61 hours) – Our fieldwork was entirely about home energy analysis, where we performed energy audits on three separate homes. Outside inspection included: measuring the building envelope and windows, crawlspace inspection, noting any moisture or grading problems around the perimeter, and the location of all outside wall penetrations. Our inside inspection included: blower door testing for leakage determination, duct blasting to determine duct leakage, insulation inspection to determine quality and effectiveness, available lighting and type. Also we did combustion appliance zone inspections to look for signs of back-drafting and test for the presence of carbon monoxide leaks. The class tested my home and I now have a very long list of improvements to make on my own home. Once done, I am certain to enjoy lower electric bills and improved air quality, safety and comfort of my family.

Without a doubt these classes were an excellent investment of my time and I am more than ready to work!

I am now in the process of preparing for my Building Performance Institute (BPI) whole house analyst exam, which will award me national certification. Wish me luck!

That all for now.
Your sunny, transitioning to solar gal,
Linda Siegel, Linda.siegel85@gmail.com

PS: My web pick this week is a talk on “America’s Energy Future” by NY Congressman Steve Israel (his talk starts at 8:25): http://vefwebcast.stream57.com/integration/StreamLine.aspx?a=s86k1362h3Z7H4d1w7lG&s=9f0736aff01e4e89848905919681f4bb

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