MOVE IT

The Mon Valley Energy Innovative Training (MOVE IT) program is an innovative, unique, and sustainable “breadwinner” program. Through Heritage Community Initiatives (HCI), a non-profit, community based organization located in Braddock, PA, the MOVE IT program serves the person by providing technical skills and the guidance to overcome barriers to employment. The technical portion provides a background in energy-related topics and a “toolbox” of skills that prepare our participants to seek entry-level employment in specialized areas such as deconstruction, green infrastructure, home/building energy performance, and environmental monitoring. Our classroom curriculum consists of the following elements:

• Life skills training and introduction to energy and the environment
• Certification training (examples of certification include OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, OSHA Confined Space, Asbestos Contractor/Supervisor, and Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting)
• Specialized training (such as deconstruction, green infrastructure, home and building energy performance, and environmental monitoring)
• Resume building and job search

Consistent with the HCI mission to build sustainable families, the MOVE IT program is unique in that it takes a sustainable approach to addressing the participant as the household “breadwinner” by offering in house career coaching, individual training programs, continuing education, and access to further support structures. Our goal is sustainability, both in environmental and economic terms. Our program is able to accomplish this goal through the following objectives:

• Provide skills that are transferable across a variety of jobs; green and greener
• Create an active learning environment based on current technologies and employer needs
• Target course materials and content to meet employer needs
• Engage local employers in the training and hiring process
• Provide trainees with entry-level credentials for employment with “green” companies
• Introduce trainees to workplace conditions and provide hands-on, applied learning experience
• Place trainees in on-the-job training experiences with local employers
• Provide trainees with job readiness and job search support
• Assess each trainee’s performance, both quantitatively and qualitatively, and inform potential employers of his/her potential for success

Funding for these programs has been provided by the United Sates Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency. Additional funds are currently being sought to continue building sustainable families through our job training program.

Sandra Lewis

“The MOVE-IT Program has been very helpful and life-changing. After learning the different things about Green [environment], Asbestos, OSHA and lead, my plans for the future changed. The program has also taught me to be more conscience of my environment and has given me the opportunity to work for a wonderful company where I am the only female employee. The availability of continuing education and computer access is truly valuable and rewarding. I appreciate everything MOVE-IT is doing for me!”

Ms. Lewis, works for American Asbestos Control in Cranberry Twp, PA making $15.00/hour. Prior work experience includes warehouse worker and home health aid. She makes herself available to other graduates as a resource and support person.