Tuesday, June 2, 2009

GOV. RITTER ADDRESSES 1st GRADUATING CLASS OF GREEN JOB VETS

GOLDEN — Gov. Bill Ritter today addressed the first graduating class from the Veterans Green Jobs Academy, a new program that provides job training and placement to military veterans in emerging green industries. This initiative is a collaboration between Veterans Green Jobs, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, academic institutions, and various other community organizations.

 

Click here to hear the governor's complete remarks.

 

"Today marks an incredible milestone," Gov. Ritter said during the ceremony, held at NREL. "This is another important stepping stone for Colorado's New Energy Economy. This program helps protect the environment and addresses climate change, and it will help re-engage and re-train so many of our heroic military veterans for the civilian workforce of tomorrow."

 

Today's ceremony included the Veterans Green Jobs Academy's first team of 15 veteran energy efficiency professionals who completed the 8-week education program.  This first class completed the Academy's Home Energy Auditor Training (HEAT) Program. The HEAT Program provides classroom and on-the-job training in home energy surveying, auditing, and energy conservation/weatherization.  Graduates become nationally certified to work as energy auditing and new home rating professionals.

 

"We certainly owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid for your services and your sacrifices to America," Gov. Ritter told the graduates.  "But today, we honor that service by demonstrating our commitment to retraining you for tomorrow's workforce."