The Riverland Training and Development (RTD) division of Riverland Community College recently announced a free training program in green technologies. Manufacturing company employees, dislocated workers, and students in manufacturing related programs all qualify for this unique program. The Green Enterprise Development program is quality curriculum from Purdue University, administrated by the Blue Green Alliance and brought to southern Minnesota by Riverland.

Purdue’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) designed Green Enterprise Development for manufacturers and others interested in learning how to apply sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in the workplace. Green manufacturing starts with the design process and assesses whether each step in the process meets “green” standards. TAP along with The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) developed the green outcome assessment that candidates can take to obtain the Green Manufacturing Specialist Certificate. This three-level training program focuses on topics including sustainable manufacturing; energy efficiency; water conservation, reuse and recycling; designing for the environment and how different pollutants affect it. The 48 hours of training consists of six eight-hour classes. Graduates are also eligible for $3,000 to $5,000 in continuing education funds if they successfully complete the SME test and an education plan approved by the Blue Green Alliance.

“With the continuing education funds available, this is a great opportunity for manufacturers, current students and dislocated workers” said Riverland Training and Development Manager Doug Parr. “Participating companies will gain a competitive edge while workers, students and dislocated workers enhance their skills to stay competitive in the workforce.”

“This training will help Minnesota and provide workers with the skills required to obtain good jobs in the state’s clean energy economy,” said Jose Velez, GreenPOWER project supervisor for the Blue Green Alliance Foundation. “GreenPOWER's free training program provides manufacturing skills that employers are looking for in job applicants, giving them a leg up in their job search during this tough economy to show employers you have the skills needed to make their business more productive, profitable and green.”

Classes begin Thursday, May 19 at Riverland’s Owatonna campus and continue every Thursday. Expansion plans are in place for future offerings in Austin and Albert Lea.

For more information on Riverland’s Green Enterprise Development program call Joe Hesch at 800-247-5039 ext 2280, email joe.hesch@riverland.edu or visit us on the web at www.riverland.edu/rtd.  More information about Purdue University’s program is available at www.mep.purdue.edu/prod_services/green/default.aspx

Riverland Training and Development, a department of Riverland Community College is a resource for business and industry offering solutions for improving performance through customized training, consultation, DACUM facilitation and program development. Annually, Riverland Training and Development works with more than 600 companies and organizations across the region, serving more than 6,400 employees. More about Riverland Training and Development may be found on the Internet at www.riverland.edu/rtd.