U.S. EPA Brownfields Job Training Program
City of New Bedford
New Bedford, MA
Core Curriculum
Curriculum: Environmental Competency Track
• Work Certification
OSHA-10 hour Construction Safety Training
OSHA-40 hour HAZWOPER
Hazardous Substance Transportation
Mold Remediation
Vapor Intrusion
Construction Management & Blue Print Reading
Curriculum: Higher Education Track
• Work Certification
Introduction to the Environment
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Hazardous Waste/ Waste Management
OSHA-40 hour HAZWOPER
OSHA -30 Supervisory Level Training
OSHA- 10 Construction Safety Training
Site Evaluation GIS (2 semesters)
Job Preparedness /College Success Seminar
Program Partners
Overview: The City of New Bedford was a recipient of a
2009 U.S. EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant, which
provided $200,000 for the development of the Greater New
Bedford Brownfields Job Training program. The program
was designed to help local unemployed and underemployed
residents find employment opportunities by increasing
industry-based training and education available in the area.
The New Bedford career training program has two training
components. The first training component is the
Environmental Competency Track. This is a non-credit
track that consists of two semesters; the first semester is
comprised of 184 hours of training, and the second is 160
hours of training. The other component is the Higher
Education Track which is a two year, four semester
program that provides a total of 465 hours of training. In
addition to the industry-based training, the Higher
Education Track gives participants the opportunity to earn
an additional Environmental Science Certificate that is
worth 25 college credit hours. Training for the program is
offered at the Bristol Community College New Bedford
Campus which provides students with a full range of
support services, strong environmental education and
training curriculum, tutoring, job advertisement and
mentoring. Scheduling classes after 5 pm has been a
priority for program staff to enable those who gain employment during the program to work during the day while
continuing their education at night.
Participants: Participants for the job training program have been recruited directly from the New Directions
Southcoast, Inc. Career Center in New Bedford, MA. In order to be eligible for the program, applicants are required
to be at least 18 years of age, able to work in the United States, a resident of the greater New Bedford community,
hold a high school degree or GED and a valid Massachusetts driver license, have access to transportation and be
drug free. Eligible applicants that meet specific testing criteria are brought in for an interview to discuss the
applicants' ability to fulfill the requirements of the program. Participants that fit basic criteria and are able to meet
the demands of the program are enrolled and training commences.
Outcomes: Graduates who have been able to enhance their skills with the training and
network with job developers are achieving positive outcomes. Examples of job training
graduates that have successfully completed the program and transitioned into a career in
the environmental field include:
• Paul C., who is still participating in the Higher Education Track, was hired by
ORKIN Corporation. He noted that his courses dovetailed perfectly with the skills
his employer was looking for in an employee.
Ph 'ddbB'tl * Gerald W., who became the OSHA-30 Instructor for the program, was persistent
Community College. in his efforts to become a full time OSHA Authorized Instructor.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The Greater
New Bedford Career Center, The Greater New Bedford
Workforce Investment Board, New Directions
Southcoast, Inc., Bristol Community College, Old
Bedford Village
March 2011
Local Contact: Carl Alves, City of New Bedford* (508) 991-6263* Carl.Alves@newbedford-ma.gov
Region 1 EPA Contact: Kathy Castagna* (617) 918-1429* Castagna.Kathleen@epa.gov
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