Home weatherization job training available

The City of Kansas City, Mo., in partnership with the Metropolitan Energy Center and the OAI, Inc., will offer job training in the fields of energy conservation and home weatherization to Kansas City, Mo., residents.

This partnership is a three-year program to train unemployed and underemployed individuals in the Kansas City metropolitan area for careers in environmental remediation and energy conservation. The partnership is funded by the Environmental Protection Agency through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"Kansas City is well positioned to thrive coming out of the recession. We have new ideas and new business opportunities," said Mayor Mark Funkhouser. "Since the trend is toward green industries, those companies will be among the most successful, as this program already has demonstrated. If you need a job, if you're looking for an opportunity, I encourage you to explore this opportunity."

The training will begin April 4 and run through May 20, 2011.

Thus far this program has trained 49 individuals and successfully assisted 36 to full time employment.

The training will focus on the following areas:

Building Science
Pressure and Thermal Boundaries
HVAC Diagnostics and Combustion Safety
Weatherization Measures
Weather-stripping
Air-Sealing Techniques
Insulation
Dense-Pack Sidewall Techniques
Asbestos Awareness
40-hour Hazardous Waste Removal
Lead for Remodelers, Renovators and Painters (RRP)
10-hour OSHA Construction Safety
First Aid/CPR
Hands-on Work Experience
Job Readiness Skills
Job Placement Assistance

The partners will provide a series of information sessions, which are open to the public. The first sessions are scheduled as follows:

• Feb. 15, 9 a.m. - noon
Bishop Sullivan Center's St. James Place
3936 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, Mo.

• Feb. 22, 6-9 p.m.
Independence City Hall
111 E. Maple Avenue, Independence, Mo.

• March 3, 6-9 p.m.
Independence City Hall
111 E. Maple Avenue, Independence, Mo.

For media inquiries contact Thalia Cherry, Office of Civic and Community Engagement, 816-513-1378 or Warren Adams-Leavitt, KC Project Director for OAI at 816-224-5252.