Building Skills Partnership (BSP) has recently launched an initiative termed “Green Jobs, Good Jobs” that will train immigrant workers, specifically janitors, in ‘green cleaning’ and energy conservation practices.
Among those participating is Century Plaza Towers.
The program is funded by a grant totaling $520,000 from the California Workforce Development Board under the High Road Training Partnership Initiative. The project will promote strong labor-management engagement to meet the needs of the rapidly changing green industry while strengthening career pathways for low-wage workers into good jobs. Through engagement, diverse partners from high tech companies to commercial building across California will demonstrate their commitment to building a future of good jobs, green economies, and equitable businesses that actively value immigrant professionals.
Under “Green Jobs, Good Jobs,” janitors participate in a 30-hour certification training program in practices including energy efficiency, recycling, waste management and water conservation. The project will also intentionally support owner and employer leadership to shape the industry and define skills, standards, training and upward career ladder opportunities for janitorial workers.
“The success of this initiative is a testament to the commitment of employers and their clients who see the value janitors bring to sustainability efforts and to the janitors themselves, who are motivated to engage with their work,” said BSP Executive Director Aida Cardenas.