Nontraditional Employment for Women developing weatherization curriculum

Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) trains women and places them in the skilled construction, utility, and maintenance trades, helping women achieve economic independence and a secure future.  Founded in 1978, NEW is a sector-based workforce development program that prepares women for nontraditional careers in the construction, transportation, energy, and facilities maintenance industries.  As a result of a coordinated effort between NEW, labor unions, contractors, and government, the number of women construction workers in New York City has grown substantially. These women are changing their lives and the skyline of New York City.

Nontraditional Employment for Women has developed the ReNEW program, geared towards women with a stated interest in and a proven aptitude for career opportunities in green collar work.  The ReNEW program will give women a well-rounded introduction to the building trades and green construction as well as hands on experience with tools and building materials.

NEW is working with employers, training providers, certification agencies, public agencies, and unions to develop the ReNEW program training curriculum.  The key components of NEW’s core training programs will be included in the ReNEW program.  Employers identify trades math, health and safety, hands-on shop training, and job readiness as critical components of worker success in green collar jobs. 

The following training topics and components are currently being explored for the ReNEW program:

·        Introduction to green collar careers

·        Green industry overview

·        Union women speakers who have worked on green construction projects

·        Hands-on Instruction - Tools of the Green Collar Trade

Kathleen Culhane
Vice President, Programs
Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW)
243 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
www.new-nyc.org    

kculhane@new-nyc.org