STLCC/SLU’s Brownfields Job Training Program Recognized for Nation’s Highest Placement Rate

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 presented a special award to the St. Louis Brownfields Job Training program, administered by St. Louis Community College and Saint Louis University, for achieving the highest placement rate nationally. 

The “Outstanding Leadership Award in Brownfields Job Training Placement” was presented March 19 during a roundtable event hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency to recognize and share the success of the local program. The St. Louis Brownfields Job Training program is administered by STLCC’s Workforce Solutions Group in partnership with Saint Louis University’s Center for Environmental Education and Training.

The award was presented by Karl Brooks, EPA Region 7 administrator, Mathy Stanislaus, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, and Stan Walker, Region 7 brownfields branch chief.  

"The EPA Brownfields Job Training program allows the agency to teach new job skills to the unemployed and under-employed, specifically minorities and low income residents, that will enable them to find well-paying jobs in careers that benefit the environment and their communities," Brooks said. "I commend St. Louis Community College for its role in providing appropriate training and for placing one of the highest percentage of program graduates nationwide into new jobs."

The local training program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, has achieved a 78.9 percent graduate placement rate. To date, 90 students have completed the program, with 12 new graduates recently being recognized on March 23.  Two more training sessions are scheduled to start soon, with more than 50 requests for enrollment already received. 

“Having a 79 percent job placement rate in today’s economy is commendable, but seeing the smiles on the faces of our students who know that they have earned a credential of value in the marketplace is priceless,” said Rod Nunn, STLCC’s vice chancellor for workforce and community development. “Kudos to the professionals in our Workforce Solutions Group and our partners at SLU for a job well done.” 

STLCC has partnered with Saint Louis University’s Center for Environmental Education and Training since 2000 to recruit, deliver and place more than 100 graduates. This 200-hour intensive training program focuses on hazardous materials handling and remediation techniques, which include certificates in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety, hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) and first aid, as well as newer emerging green jobs curriculum in weatherization and ecosystem restoration. 

Recruitment for the program is focused primarily on residents of economically depressed communities, particularly those living in the St. Louis Empowerment Zone, Wellston and East St. Louis, Ill.  

“With the certifications and licenses obtained in this program, my resume should stand out among others, not to mention the training that an employer will not have to provide me,” said Abraham Smith, who graduated from the program on March 23.   

“While attending this program, I encountered several people enrolled in various classes who had been sent by their employers to obtain additional training,” said Bradley Lohrum, who also graduated on March 23. “It is obvious that these skills are in demand, and by having them at the start, I will have an advantage over less skilled workers.” 

For more information on the training program, contact Tim Boul, program manager for the Workforce Solutions Group, at 314-539-5743. 

Established in 1962, St. Louis Community College is the largest community college district in Missouri and one of the largest in the United States.  STLCC has four campuses – Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec and Wildwood – and annually serves nearly 80,000 students through credit courses, continuing education and workforce development programs.  For more information about STLCC, visit www.stlcc.edu.