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Newark, NJ – Over 30 Graduates of the Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District green job training program received their diploma today on stage at the Lincoln Park Music Festival on Friday, July 24, 2009 and had Governor Jon S. Corzine address them with an encouraging commencement speech. The Governor was joined by David J. Socolow, Department of Labor Commissioner, Ralph A. LaRossa, President and Chief Operating Officer of PSEG and Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) Executive Director, Baye Adofo-Wilson.

“New Jersey is creating new green jobs by reducing energy usage and costs. Our state is leading a green revolution to meet the challenges that threaten our economic and environmental security,” said Governor Jon S. Corzine. “I want to congratulate today’s graduates for completing the training for new jobs that will, house-by-house, bring new energy efficiency to our communities.”

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District administers the green job training program to stimulate green jobs in New Jersey. LPCCD is collaborating with private industry, labor, state and local government, higher education, and community-based organizations, with support from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Trenton based Isles’ Development Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET)

“New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan has aggressive energy efficiency goals for the state. There is going to be a significant demand for workers in the energy efficiency field. Our green job training program helps ensure that New Jersey’s workforce will have the skills needed to participate in the green economy,” said Baye Adofo-Wilson, Executive Director, Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District

Green jobs are high paying career track jobs that benefit the community and the environment. The jobs provide meaningful work, high levels of job satisfaction and are in demand in the emerging green economy. A central focus of the program is energy efficiency assessment, fundamental building science, and air leaks and insulation installation. The graduates are prepared for jobs such as Building Analyst, Air Sealer, Home Energy Rater, Field Energy Consultant, and Home Improvement Retrofit Trainee.

Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District is one of New Jersey’s four Green Job Training Partnership programs. These graduates completed an intensive series of training courses to prepare them for new entry-level jobs in the field of energy auditing and

energy efficiency. Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District graduates completed training in courses such as energy efficiency assistance, environmental living, green building construction and basic math and reading skills.

“Energy efficiency is the first tool in PSE&G’s strategy to help New Jersey achieve its energy and carbon reduction goals,” said Ralph LaRossa, president and COO of PSE&G. “But a tool doesn’t get the job done on its own. People do. Today may set a new record for win-wins. The Green Jobs Training Program is equipping people with the skills to land a good job in the energy-efficiency area, is helping support our state’s efforts to get the economy going in these difficult times, and is providing our company with a pool of trained job candidates. A number of the graduates of these programs already are working for PSE&G, helping us provide universal access to energy efficiency. Many more will join our workforce shortly as we staff up to provide audits and energy efficiency measures to customers in our urban areas.”

Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G), recognizing the growing demand for energy auditors, plans to hire 100 workers trained through the state’s Green Job Training Partnership Program.

“We are facing serious energy challenges and we need a workforce prepared to help achieve the goals of Governor Corzine’s ambitious Energy Master Plan,” said, Jeanne M. Fox, President of the NJ Board of Public Utilities. “Public-policy makers working in collaboration with private and non-profit partners are the key to driving the industry’s green job growth.”

About Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District
Lincoln Park Coast Cultural District (LPCCD) is transforming a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey into an urban eco-village. Leading the revitalization of an emerging arts and cultural district, LPCCD is a model for sustainable urban development. The project includes US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified housing units, green collar jobs, music festivals, historic restoration projects and the Museum of African American Music, a Smithsonian Affiliate. To learn more about LPCCD and its initiatives visit www.lpccd.org.

Tags: environment, green jobs, housing, Jon S. Corzine, New Jersey, Newark, urban devlopment