With the demand for energy-efficiency projects is expected to grow by more than 35% in the next two years, New Jersey Natural Gas recently opened its SAVEGREEN® Innovation and Training Annex in Atlantic Highlands. The facility will serve as the hub for an enhanced Workforce Development Program in collaboration with Isles Inc., a community development and environmental nonprofit organization based in Trenton and its Center for Energy and Environmental Training.
The collaboration between NJNG and Isles will provide workforce development curriculum in the growing areas of energy efficiency, end-use equipment installation and maintenance and building performance.
“This collaboration is an important step in advancing New Jersey Natural Gas and Isles’ shared goals of fostering more sustainable communities, supporting economic development and driving innovation toward energy efficiency and lower emissions,” Pat Migliaccio, chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas, said. “The Isles CEET is focused on generating jobs and economic opportunity through professional training while making homes healthy and energy efficient.”
“Isles’ CEET looks forward to this collaboration with New Jersey Natural Gas as we expand our training services. We share a common goal of ensuring we train a workforce to provide quality services to New Jersey residents, making their homes comfortable and more energy efficient. We look forward to utilizing their state-of-the-art facility to give candidates a great learning experience,” Andre Thomas, director of Training and Support of Isles’ Center for Energy and Environmental Training, said.
NJNG’s Workforce Development Program includes three training components toward Building Science Principles, Building Analyst Technician and Building Analyst Professional BPI certification. Upon completion, participants will be well-versed with the skills and knowledge for careers in the home performance field, including whole home energy diagnostics and inspection, data collection and evaluation, energy modeling and more.
“The transition to a low-carbon future requires a skilled workforce. This investment in our communities not only supports economic development for individuals and the participating contractors but also empowers our customers with innovative, cost-saving energy solutions,” Migliaccio added.
For more information on NJNG’s Workforce Development Program and its SAVEGREEN Innovation and Learning Annex, and enrollment details, click here.
