RELEASED: Monday, March 30, 2015

Ever wonder what training, skills or experience is needed to install solar panels? Are you in construction and looking to diversify your skills to get into new, green building technologies or energy efficiency retrofits? Skills for a Green Economy, a partnership between four Community Futures Development Corporations in Simcoe County (Orillia Area Community Development Corporation, Centre for Business and Economic Development, North Simcoe Community Futures Development Corporation and Nottawasaga Futures), is aimed at demystifying what it takes to find a job and have a rewarding career in the ever-expanding green economy.

Broadly defined, green jobs reduce carbon emissions or they restore, protect or conserve the natural environment while helping improve business efficiencies. Green jobs are the jobs of the future. These will play an increasingly important role in Simcoe County's economy and in the province.

In its 2011 economic development strategic plan, the county identified the green economy as one of four targeted growth industries.

Ontario is working to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions by 15% by 2020, achieving 80% reduction by 2050 and becoming carbon neutral by the end of the century. Accomplishing these goals will be possible through showing workers green career pathways, then linking local businesses looking for workers with green skills they need to develop green technologies, goods and services.

Over the next year, workshops and career fairs will be held throughout the county to highlight green career pathways and training programs. Skills for a Green Economy will also link skilled and unskilled youth and adults to employment opportunities, preparing them to enter the green economy labour market in Simcoe County. The project is funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (Community Capacity Enhancement Program).

For more information or to become involved in Skills for the Green Economy, contact project manager Suzanne Ainley at [email protected], 705-435-1540 or 1-800-509-7554.

 

Source: Orillia Packet & Times