One-of-a-Kind Weatherization Training Now Available in Minnesota

Contact: Lisa Bergerson
Phone: 612-278-5257
Email: lbergerson@saoic.org

Summit Academy OIC Offers Premier Training to Take Advantage of Stimulus Package

MINNEAPOLIS – July 14, 2009 – Summit Academy OIC (SAOIC), a non-profit vocational training center and the leading resource for a diverse workforce, today announces that it has formalized the region’s premier Weatherization Technician Training program in partnership with nationally-renowned weatherization entities.

The 40-hour training program, created in response to meeting the demands of local and state weatherization projects budgeted for through the stimulus package, was created by Summit Academy OIC and some of the nation’s top subject experts including Conservation Service Group, Center of Energy and Environment, and Community Action of Minneapolis.

Forty-million dollars earmarked for the weatherization of low-income homes in Minneapolis will require a 500 percent increase in production from previous years and create a large demand for qualified weatherization technicians to get the job done within a tight 18 to 24 month timeframe.  Summit’s training program was designed to the standards contractors must meet to be eligible to do the work.

“Summit Academy’s goal for the Weatherization Technician Training program was to bring together the nation’s best thinking to develop a premier training course to meet today’s economic and environmental needs,” said Leroy West, COO, at Summit Academy OIC. “I think we’ve done more than that. Not only can we provide this state-of-the-art training to individuals, but SAOIC is also a great resource for contractors. Contracting companies can use our program to learn weatherization techniques to qualify them for CAP projects. In addition, companies can meet state-mandated diversity goals for these projects by hiring from Summit’s pool of top-trained minority graduates.

Summit has already graduated more then 40 certified Weatherization Technicians. During the training course, students are taught through a combination of classroom theory and hands-on applications skill sets specifically warranted by Weatherization technicians. These include energy efficiency diagnostics; bypass sealing; insulation of foundations, floors, walls and attic; and window retrofitting/replacement.

For more information about Summit Academy OIC and the weatherization technician training, visit www.saoic.org.

About Summit Academy OIC:

Summit Academy OIC (SAOIC) is a nonprofit educational and vocational training center that empowers adults and prepares youth residing in the most economically depressed neighborhoods in the Twin Cities to become educated, employed contributing members of their community. Focused on high-demand, high-growth industries, Summit’s results-oriented programs effect long-term change. Summit graduates are skilled and motivated workers who can stop drawing public assistance and start caring for their families, paying taxes, and helping to stabilize and vitalize their communities. Add to that, the cutting-edge training Summit is now offering to prepare their students for the new green-collar jobs. Not only will these students be transforming their lives but will also be transforming our environment—building a renewable future that benefits all of us.

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