Brownfields Job Training Program Newsletter – December 2024
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Brownfields Job Training Program Newsletter, December 2024 (pdf)
This quarter’s newsletter highlights helpful tips from recent Professional Learning Community calls and webinars, spotlights the Alaska Forum and St. Nicks Alliance brownfields job training initiatives, and discusses essential resources for applying for federal funding. We hope this newsletter becomes a resource you eagerly anticipate each quarter, filled with valuable insights and opportunities to help further your program’s success.
On this page:
- Congratulations to the FY25 Brownfields Job Training Grant Awardees
- Tips from Recent Professional Learning Community Calls
- Webinar Reflections - Tips from Recent Brownfields Job Training Grants Webinars
- Upcoming Events and Opportunities - EPA Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization Brownfields Job Training NOFO Listening Sessions
- Stay Updated and Connected!
Congratulations to the FY25 Brownfields Job Training Grant Awardees
We’re excited to celebrate the 16 organizations recently awarded nearly $7.7 million in Brownfields Job Training grants! These funds will provide vital workforce training in fields like environmental cleanup, hazardous waste management, and more—empowering participants with skills for meaningful and rewarding careers. This year’s awardees span 14 states and will make a lasting impact by equipping residents with valuable training for well-paying, in-demand jobs. Their work not only helps improve the environment but also strengthens local economies.
Tips from Recent Professional Learning Community Calls
Student Recruitment (October 16, 2024)
This presentation highlighted key strategies for effective student recruitment in environmental workforce programs. It emphasized the importance of building strong relationships, using targeted marketing, and focusing on areas where the program could make the greatest impact. Important takeaways included the value of prioritizing quality over quantity in cohort selection, leveraging partnerships to enhance outreach, and tailoring efforts to meet community needs and labor market demands.
Key Highlights:
- Relationships are crucial for spreading awareness, with both informal (word-of-mouth, social media) and formal partnerships (with local organizations and businesses) being key.
- Strategic recruitment planning involves selecting target areas based on labor market demand, community needs, and existing workforce programs.
- Effective marketing requires clear messaging, multiple media platforms, and a focus on the program’s value proposition.
- Quality over quantity emphasizes being selective in recruitment, especially in the early stages, to build a solid foundation for success.
- Recruitment should be planned early to align with the program's goals and community needs.
Brownfields Job Training Professional Learning Community Call: Student Recruitment (pdf)
Student Selection and Recruitment (November 20, 2024)
During this call, participants had the chance to hear from established programs, like the Alaska Forum, St. Nicks Alliance, Santa Fe Community College, and Southern University at Shreveport. We want to extend our gratitude for their valuable contributions! Their programs, while vastly different, highlight the incredible diversity of strategies being implemented to create successful brownfields job training programs. From Alaska Forum’s focus on emergency response training to St. Nicks Alliance’s focus on remediation and construction jobs, we were reminded of the importance of knowing the needs of your community and local labor markets. Dr. Galiotos from the Southern University of Shreveport reminded us of the importance of industry relationships to inform the student selection and recruitment process.
Key Strategies:
- Focus on Quality and Fit: Select smaller, committed cohorts aligned with program and employer needs, using tools like interviews and trial periods to ensure a good match.
- Tailor to Community and Industry Needs: Customize recruitment strategies and training to address local job market demands and community priorities.
- Effective Recruitment: Use social media, partnerships, and graduate referrals to attract participants, emphasizing word-of-mouth in rural areas.
- Retention and Success: Retain students through transferable certifications, networking opportunities, and a reputation for high-quality training.
- Adapt and Build Foundations: For new programs, start small, focus on quality, and adapt to challenges by partnering with stakeholders and refining approaches over time.
Brownfields Job Training Professional Learning Community Call: Student Selection (pdf)
Webinar Reflections - Tips from Recent Brownfields Job Training Grants Webinars
Strategies for Establishing Successful Brownfields Job Training Programs (May 12, 2024)
- Community and Labor Market Assessment:
Identify communities with supportive residents and employers, using tools to assess demographics and economic conditions. It highlights labor market demand for an environmental workforce in the target area, integrating the findings into the proposed curriculum to align training with market needs. - Partnerships and Leveraging Resources:
Collaborate with local organizations, businesses, and governments to secure resources and expand services. - Building a Development Team:
Assemble a project manager and working committee with clearly defined roles to oversee program development efficiently. - Screening and Selection:
Use community partnerships, thorough recruitment plans and candidate assessments, to select committed trainees. - Training Curriculum and Facilities:
Develop safety-focused training aligned with employer needs, incorporating technical certifications like OSHA. - Support Services:
Provide essential non-EPA-funded services, such as childcare, transportation, and life skills training, through local partnerships to aid in student retention and job placement. - Placement and Tracking:
Foster relationships with employers for job placement, celebrate graduations, and track alumni to measure success. - Sustainability:
Ensure long-term viability by leveraging partnerships, pursuing additional funding, and integrating the program into community infrastructure.
Presentation for Establishing A Successful Brownfields Job Training Program (pdf)
Webinar Recording for Establishing a Successful Brownfields Job Training Program (mp3)
Tips On Writing a Competitive EPA Job Training Proposal (June 12, 2024)
- Carefully read and follow all instructions in the EPA Guidelines to meet eligibility and threshold criteria. Ensure all sections are complete, concise, and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy.
- Begin assessments and community engagement early to gather strong, relevant data and build effective partnerships.
- Present a cohesive story about the problem, your plan, and expected outcomes.
- Secure detailed commitments from partners who will actively support the program. Include these unique commitments in your partnership letters. Clearly show how your program meets the specific needs of the target community and aligns with labor market needs.
- Leverage free support from TAB providers for feedback on your draft application.
Presentation for Tips on Writing a Competitive EPA Job Training Proposal (pdf)
Webinar Recording for Tips on Writing a Competitive EPA Job Training Proposal (mp3)
Upcoming Events and Opportunities - EPA Office of Brownfields and Land Revitalization Brownfields Job Training NOFO Listening Sessions
The EPA will hold listening sessions in January to foster an open dialogue and gather valuable insights from grantees and potential applicants. These sessions aim to inform the drafting of the Fiscal Year 2026 Brownfields Job Training Notice of Funding Opportunity. By focusing on key areas identified by the EPA, the sessions will help pinpoint actionable steps to streamline the application process and enhance the overall impact of the Brownfields Job Training Grant Program.
We are anticipating that application guidelines will be released for FY2026 sometime in the Spring of 2025. Get started early by reviewing last year’s grant guidelines. Don’t forget to register as early as possible for Sam.gov and Grants.gov!
Brownfields Job Training Listening Session 1
January 14th, 11 am ET
Zoom Link: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1605289058
Webinar ID: 160 528 9058
Call-in Number: +1 646 828 7666
Brownfields Job Training Listening Session 2
January 15th, 5 pm ET
Zoom Link: https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1616733043
Webinar ID: 161 673 3043
Call-in Number: +1 646 828 7666
Stay Updated and Connected!
By joining our network of grant recipients, you can exchange tips, success stories, and resources that support program growth and community impact.
- To be included on the mailing list, submit an inquiry form and state in the "Inquiry" field a request to "Add me to the Brownfields Job Training Grant mailing list" or email us directly at brownfieldsjobtraining@adaapta.com.
- Connect with your regional brownfields job training program contacts.
- Apply for technical assistance with the Brownfields Job Training Program Technical Assistance Inquiry Form.