Hispanic Workforce News - 04/01/2010 (Plain Text Version) View Graphical Version | Subscribe to NAHB Publications | E-mail Our Editor In this issue: Congratulations to Greater Houston Builders Association for Securing ARRA (Stimulus) Funding
In our ongoing effort to support local funding for participation in the Sed de Saber™- Construction Edition initiative, Home Builders Institute (HBI) and Greater Houston Builders Association secured a grant for workforce training as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). These grants are being distributed to the local Workforce Investment Boards (WIB), and intended for adult workforce training and education activities related to dislocated workers and worker training for high growth and emerging industry sectors including "green collar" jobs. In Houston, the goal of the grant is to train and prepare Hispanic job seekers and incumbent workers with limited skills for careers in construction and green jobs. The Home Builders Institute together with literacy partners Literacy Powerline, the Adult Reading Center and Community Family Centers will offer an integrated workforce education and skills training program for Hispanic adults interested in earning an industry-recognized certificate as a weatherization specialist. This certification will enable participants to begin a career progression through further training and certification to become an energy analyst and eventually a master energy analyst. Over the course of nine weeks, participants will improve their reading, writing and general workforce education and be exposed to a weatherization green construction curriculum that involves both classroom learning and hands-on experience. HBI has developed a specialized tool, Sed de Saber - Construction Edition to assist Spanish-dominant Hispanics learn English specifically for the construction industry. Through this training course, hundreds of graduates will earn a national industry-recognized certificate. In addition, the local WIB and Greater Houston Builders Association will coordinate potential employment opportunities for graduates.
As always, we appreciate your continued support with this critical initiative and hope you make Sed de Saber-Construction Edition an integral part of your workforce development programming. We are confident the rewards for your association and membership will be beneficial in this current marketplace. Don’t get left behind, HBI has put all the necessary resources in place to help you. To learn more on how you can participate contact Steve Kramer @ skramer@hbi.org.
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