10/10/2023
NEW INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYABILITY AND ESSENTIAL SKILLS IN THE THRIVING RENEWABLE ENERGY INDUSTRY
Local nonprofits in collaborative partnership, The Imani Group and Umoja Village, announce a collaboration with Solar United National (SUN), LLC., to present a first-of-its-kind program in South Carolina -- the EMERGE and SUN Job Training Program.
In response to the nation's growing attraction to renewable energy, this collaborative partnership will offer up to 20 successful applicants the opportunity to attain employability skills training and, up to 10 of those applicants, will move on to phase two to learn solar panel installation and electric vehicle charging station installation and maintenance training. The phase two applicants will also receive OSHA 10 training, go through a graduation ceremony, and will be interviewed by installation companies looking to hire. Furthermore, candidates will receive $15/hour compensation (with perfect attendance) during the training to begin Thursday, Nov. 2-8, 2023 (phase one); and continuing Nov. 9-17, 2023, for those accepted into phase two. Stipends will be funded by two Department of Energy grants and Umoja Village. The training will be held at Second Baptist Church, 1151 York Street, NE, in Aiken. Application deadline is October 18, 2023.
Males and females interested in applying must be at least 18 years of age or older, be deemed coachable, and have a desire to work. The application process includes a pre-assessment interview, a low-level physical fitness workout, and evaluations by a cross-section of Imani Group, Umoja Village, and SUN staff. To apply, scan the QR code on the attached flyer or go to the homepage on www.umojavillage.com to access the flyer.
"The Imani Group and Umoja Village have been cultivating this initiative for nearly two years. We are beyond excited to unite with an employment partner, in Solar United National, who is willing to provide our area's citizens with the opportunity to learn skills in a thriving field," says Pastor Brendolyn Jenkins-Boseman, founder/executive director of The Imani Group.
"Umoja Village promotes unity and inclusivity such that when we meet people where they are and provide them the tools needed to thrive and not just survive, ultimately we all win. Some adults will view this job training as a second chance to improve their lives and establish a life-long career in spite of what happened in their past. To me, this initiative exemplifies love in action, " says Donna Moore Wesby, CEO/cofounder of Umoja Village.
Solar United National Representative Grant Scheffer says, "The EMERGE and SUN Job Training Program is a model that is already postured to be replicated across South Carolina. Solar United National looks forward to equipping South Carolinians with transferable skills to help residents become productive citizens while making strides in the world of renewable energy."
To learn more about The Imani Group, visit www.theimanigroup.org. To learn more about Umoja Village, visit www.umojavillage.com. Solar United National, LLC., www.solarunitednational.com, develops solar, storage, and electric vehicle charging locations that provides governments, businesses, and communities reduced expenses and income.
