Duwamish job training initiative produces 14 graduates funded by EPA program

EPA Press Release:

Duwamish job training initiative produces 14 graduates funded by EPA program

EPA program offers job training to communities impacted by Superfund cleanups

Contact: Hanady Kader, EPA Public Affairs, 206-553-0454, kader.hanady@epa.gov

(Seattle—June 18, 2013) On Tuesday, June 18, 14 men and women will graduate from the EPA Superfund Job Training Initiative with skills and certifications that make them eligible for jobs associated with the Lower Duwamish Waterway Superfund cleanup. The graduation will be held at the McKinstry Innovation Center in Seattle.

The EPA-funded training included health and safety training, history of the Duwamish contamination, background of the cleanup work in the Duwamish, CPR/First Aid, and life and employment skills training. EPA worked with contractors that will conduct the Lower Duwamish Waterway cleanup and tailored the job training according to the skills they need.  

“The graduates from this program will have a chance at employment in the cleanup that’s happening in their community,” said Rick Albright, Director of the EPA Office of Environmental Cleanup in Seattle. “The skills they learn also make them employable beyond the Duwamish cleanup, so this program sets them up for a chance at other opportunities.”

The Superfund Job Training Initiative provides training and employment opportunities for people living in communities affected by Superfund sites. Graduates learn skills and receive valuable certifications that make it possible for them to work on cleanups.

EPA used local trainers and resources for the classes. The Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition will assist the graduates and potential employers. For more information or to hire graduates, contact jti@duwamishcleanup.org.

EPA may offer more training in the future if additional funding becomes available.

For more information on the EPA Superfund Job Training Initiative, visit:

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/community/sfjti/