Cambridge launching green jobs program

The City of Cambridge is launching a new green jobs program to train eligible residents to become energy efficiency technicians or green building maintenance technicians.

The program is part of a year-long effort by the Green Jobs Task Force, chaired by former Mayor E. Denise Simmons, and orientation sessions will begin next week.

Participants will study energy auditing, basic residential energy efficiency, and conservation practices, basic carpentry, plumbing and weatherization, as well as other skills.

In a press release this week, City Manager Robert W. Healy said that through the jobs program the city is promoting sound energy efficiency practices among residents and businesses and helping unemployed or underemployed residents increase their chances of getting a job in the new green economy.

Training sessions kick off in April and will be done through the Energy Efficiency Technician Apprenticeship Program and the Building Energy Efficient Maintenance Skills Program. Graduates of the jobs program will receive job placement assistance and other support training, such as computer training.

Residents wishing to determine if they qualify for the program can contact Chris Albruzio at 617-426-9492 extension 250 or via email at chris@aaca-boston.org. or contact Pardis Saffari at 617-349-4654 or psaffari@cambridgema.gov.