What's Happening atEmployment Connection!
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Solar Panel Installation Program Fall Cohort Graduates
Seventeen clients recently completed our Solar Panel Installation Training Program with OSHA-10 and photovoltaic certifications!
Over the course of four weeks, participants learned the ins and outs of solar energy through classroom and hands-on instruction, along with additional job readiness skills through our World of Work program to prepare them for success in their new careers.
Our clients also received pre-test training from Dr. Dwayne James as they prepared to take the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) test after graduation. Best of luck to our graduates!
One graduate, Terrance, came to us for our World of Work class in August, where he learned about and registered to participate in the Solar Panel Installation Training cohort that started the program later that month. During the training program, all the participants visited our partners Straight Up Solar at their facility and one of their work sites to see up close what a day on the job looks like.
After completing the required OSHA-10 certification and photovoltaic courses, Terrance took the NABCEP exam. Following that, Employment Connection hosted a job fair that included local employers in the solar energy industry. Terrance met with all the employers, including Straight Up Solar. Soon after graduation, Straight Up Solar offered Terrance a job starting the following week, where his managers report he's off to a great start!
Green Jobs Update
Our current cohort of Green Jobs clients joined our CEO in visiting the Fresh Starts Community Garden this week, where they met and received training from the legendary Rosie L. Willis, founder of this urban oasis. In addition to listening to her inspiring words of encouragement, the clients cleaned out several raised beds and applied burlap and mulch as the garden prepares for the Winter season. Ms. Willis also surprised the clients by offering them free tomatoes, green peppers, banana peppers, and Swiss chard to take with them as a reward for their hard work on a hot and muggy day!
The clients continued the program with the Roots of Success (“ROS”) curriculum along with participating in key field visits. The photos above include our clients with ROS instructor Richard Reilly from Missouri Botanical Garden (who also worked with them to create sustainability flags) and Billy Haag from Forest ReLeaf of Missouri, who taught the clients about tree care and maintenance!
Celebrating David L. Kessel's Retirement
Long-time Employment Connection executive David L. Kessel recently announcement his retirement after almost 3 decades of service to the greater St. Louis region. As a result his teammates at “Team EC” hosted a celebratory gathering in his honor that included the presentation of a proclamation from Mayor Tishaura Jones that hereby named September 27th as “David L. Kessel Day” in the City of St. Louis!
Other special guests that offered special gifts of thanks included State Representative LaKeySha Bosley, State Representative-elect Marty J. Murray, Jr., Alderpersons Laura Keys and Rasheen Aldridge, St. Louis County Councilwoman Rita Days, and Christine Ingrassia from the office of Aldermanic President Megan Green.
Maryville University Students Volunteer at Employment Connection
Students from Maryville University visited Employment Connection to help us organize our Client Marketplace and Clothing Closet as part of their 16th annual Maryville Reaches Out Day! Maryville students demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and civic involvement. We greatly appreciate their service and spirit!
WIOA Program Update
In September, our WIOA Team attended a Lunch and Learn event for students at Hazelwood West High School and the Career Readiness Fair at Riverview Gardens High School! Our WIOA program connects young people with opportunities for education, training, and employment to prepare them for careers and futures after school. We're always excited to connect with students as they consider their next chapter in life!
Housing Program Update
Since 2022, Employment Connection has served 575 individuals in our Homelessness Prevention program! We work with clients to provide emergency rent and utility assistance to prevent evictions and keep people stable in their homes by making direct payments to housing and utility providers.
As COVID-19 recovery funds have tapered off, HUD and the Continuum of Care have shifted priorities from the Homelessness Prevention program to Rapid Rehousing projects—another service that our Housing Team assists clients with. Rapid Rehousing assists unhoused people in successfully transitioning into permanent housing.
EC Out and About
Umi, Manager of our Section 3 Program, attended the 4th annual PlanRoom Open House this week at the Northside Economic Empowerment Center located at historic Sumner High School. Umi was there to meet business owners and share the benefits of being certified as a Section 3 business. Our Section 3 program is funded by the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration.
Employment Connection and our partners at the LaSalle Park Neighborhood Association secured a Wellness In Neighborhoods (WIN) Grant from the St. Louis MHB! Part of the funds will be used for uplifting community events in the neighborhood like the Music on the Mall concert series! Over 60 guests enjoyed the Soulard Blues Band in spite of a rainy evening!
Employment Connection CEO Sal Martinez met with Tracy Verner, Manager of Community Development with our partners at AllTru Credit Union, who recently announced a new salary advance loan product for EC staff!
There's much more going on at Employment Connection! Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date with all of our programs and events in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and St. Clair County.
If you're not already receiving our monthly newsletter in your inbox, click here to sign up.
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