INDIANAPOLIS — Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a $500,000 grant for an environmental job training program in Indiana was awarded to RecycleForce.. EPA’s Brownfields Jobs Training Program grant will recruit, train, and place workers for community revitalization and cleanup projects at brownfield sites.
RecycleForce plans to train 120 students and place at least 75 in environmental jobs. They will work primarily with students from Indianapolis, specifically underemployed and unemployed residents, people with justice-system involvement, and people experiencing homelessness. Students who complete the training will earn up to one state and 15 federal certifications.
Graduates of Brownfields Job Training programs learn valuable, sought-after skills and have the opportunity to earn a variety of certifications, ensuring employment opportunities result not just in temporary contractual work, but in long-term environmental careers. This includes certifications in:
• Lead and asbestos abatement
• Hazardous waste operations and emergency response
• Mold remediation
• Environmental sampling and analysis
• Other environmental health and safety training