Schools
BCCC Training Workers for Jobs of the Future
The college offers extensive green jobs training at its Green Jobs Academy, as well as at its three campuses.
It’s no secret that the economy is stagnant and jobs are scarce.
But there’s a place in Bucks County that’s training workers for a new kind of career. Bucks County Community College’s Green Jobs Academy is one of the only institutions of its kind in the region, explained Chris Gillespie, the college’s assistant vice president of continuing education and workforce development.
The Green Jobs Academy, located in Bristol, is a hands-on, state-of-the-art facility offering short- and long-term training programs in solar thermal systems, energy efficiency, geothermal systems, sustainable construction and more.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“With this recession, Bucks County has lost more than 23,000 jobs, many in manufacturing,” Gillespie said. “It’s part of the mission of the college to retrain its workers for the 21st century. Green jobs are part of that.”
Most classes and workshops are offered at the Academy; others are held at one of the college’s three campuses. Bucks County Community College’s main campus is in Newtown. There are also campuses in Perkasie and Bristol.
Find out what's happening in Warminsterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Our focus is to get people employed and keep them employed,” Gillespie said.
The Green Jobs Academy opened last year with a $197,000 federal grant. Since then, it’s grown thanks to community and industry partners. Wind turbine manufacturer Gamesa, an industry partner, holds employee training at the Green Jobs Academy.
The green jobs training courses offered by Bucks County Community College are extensive.
“There are a number of community colleges that offer green courses, but there are very few colleges that have a hands-on, state-of-the-art facility,” Gillespe said. She added that people come from all over to participate in the various training offerings.
Upcoming courses include an entry level, 40-hour solar program, a LEED (Leadership in Environmental & Energy Design) Green Associate training program, and a sustainable building program.
For more information about the Green Jobs Academy or to register for upcoming courses, click here
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
