By Scott Allen
The Scene staff
St. Louis Community College has received nearly $200,000 to train low-income and unemployed area residents in hazardous waste cleanup.
For the fourth year, the Environmental Protection Agency granted the college funds to provide trainees with more than 200 hours of instruction.
The college hopes to place 55 workers in environmental jobs, out of a potential 81 graduates.
“This has been a very successful partnership over the years, with our local grant program achieving the highest placement rates nationally, and most importantly helping qualified residents earn credentials that are of value in the marketplace,” said Roderick Nunn, STLCC vice chancellor for economic development and workforce solutions, stated in a press release.
Instruction will include courses on environmental technology, safety, lead, asbestos and mold cleanup, environmental sampling and monitoring, chemical hazards and blood-borne pathogens.
Residents of St. Louis city and county, East St. Louis and surrounding Illinois counties who are low income or unemployed or receive public assistance will be recruited for the program.
It’s the fourth time that STLCC has received the grant, provided to non-profit organizations to recruit, train and obtain jobs for mostly low-income and minority workers. They’re recruited from communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste.
The EPA has funded more than 200 job-training grants for a total of more than $45 million.