Article Series:
Center for Sustainability at Johnson College
Part 2
One of the current initiatives of the Center for Sustainability at Johnson College is weatherization training.
In October 2009, Governor Edward G. Rendell devoted $1.1 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to the development of a weatherization workforce in Pennsylvania.
The investment would allow more than 1,000 Pennsylvanians to pursue weatherization career pathways. A statement from Governor Rendell’s office, explained, “The awards and training are part of a joint effort by the departments of Labor & Industry and Community and Economic Development to enhance a Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) that will provide training and career-focused employment to Pennsylvania’s workforce, create green jobs, improve residential energy efficiency and speed the commonwealth’s economic recovery.”
Six grant recipients were chosen to become certified weatherization training providers. These providers now help identify, train and certify workers to complete high-quality energy reduction, conservation and weatherization activities in approximately 29,000 single- and multi-family homes across Pennsylvania. As one of the grant recipients, Johnson College was awarded $132,000 to provide this specialized training.
Johnson College is currently one of only seven weatherization training providers in the state. The College offers certified weatherization training to individuals living in Bradford, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.
Weatherization focuses on making homes more energy efficient, maximizing energy and minimizing costs. Weatherization procedures include, but are not limited to, window and door replacement, weather stripping, attic insulation, and heating and cooling equipment repair and replacement.
The training that Johnson College is providing is the first of its kind in Northeastern Pennsylvania. All training takes place at Simplex Industries in Scranton. Simplex, a leader in modular home production, is a strong advocate of green building practices.
Currently, students can receive certification as Installers, Crew Chiefs, and Auditors. Under supervision, Weatherization Installers install weatherization materials and repair home items that relate to energy efficiency. Weatherization Crew Chiefs provide supervision for a weatherization crew. Weatherization Auditors perform energy audits on homes to determine weatherization measures and home repairs required to improve energy efficiency.
Johnson College’s weatherization training courses began in February 2010. Since that time, Johnson College has fully trained and certified 41 students as Installers. 35 additional students are currently enrolled in the training and are on the path to becoming certified Installers, Crew Chiefs, or Auditors.
“Weatherization training is becoming an integral part of Johnson College and its Continuing Education department. This is an emerging industry and we are excited about the prospect of training individuals for new jobs in such a difficult economy,” stated Marie Allison, Johnson College’s Director of Continuing Education.
Prospective weatherization students can contact their nearest PA CareerLink® office for enrollment information. Visit http://www.pacareerlink.state.pa.us for details.
A website for the Center for Sustainability at Johnson College will be available soon. Until then, visit www.johnson.edu for updates.
Center for Sustainability at Johnson College Article Series:
* Part 1 – Johnson College Announces Center for Sustainability
* Part 2 – Weatherization Training Prospers at Johnson College
* Part 3 – Center for Sustainability Announces Lecture Series
* Part 4 – Lecture Series Capstone Scheduled
* Part 4 UPDATE – Lecture Series Capstone Cancelled
Be sure to check out the ‘Center for Sustainability at Johnson College: Weatherization’ video:
From left to right: Dominick Carachilo ‘82, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Johnson College; Paul Caruso, Vice President of Operations, Simplex Industries, Inc.; Marie Allison, Director of Continuing Education, Johnson College; David Pistner, Weatherization Training Director, PA Department of Labor & Industry; David Boniello ‘84, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Simplex Industries, Inc.
Recent graduates of Johnson College’s Weatherization Tactics class (April 12 – 15, 2010).
From left to right (Back Row): Mike Stanley, Scranton; Vince Verrone, Scranton; Jeremy Dabulewicz, Montrose; Robert Patricio, Swoyersville; Harry Mincer, Montrose; Ed Balada, Montrose
From left to right (Front Row): Anthony Kissolovege, Scranton; Bill Mullen, Scranton; Joe Strong, Scranton; Nicole Conrad, Montrose; Donald Clune, Waymart, PA
Missing from Photo: James Dougher, Jr., Scranton
