Isles, Inc.

February News from Isles

February at Isles
CEET
Changing Lives in a Changing Economy
Upcoming Events
Greetings!  
   

Four years ago, the State of New Jersey had just completed a new Energy Master Plan, and they were gearing up for big investments in green energy. Given Isles' mission, we wanted to assure that some of the new jobs in this field went to underemployed folks who needed them the most. After years of running Isles YouthBuild Institute serving young people wanting high school diplomas and job training, we created the Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET). CEET could also train and help place adults that already had high school diplomas.

 

The result: CEET has impacted the environment, increased jobs and incomes, and saved money for families living in drafty old homes. This is a great example of how a good idea can be turned into an entrepreneurial startup that innovates and impacts thousands of others.  CEET's success can be attributed to good people working hard, asking the right questions, and engaging other funders, friends, and supporters who care about the same things. CEET could not have succeeded without readers and donors like you.

 

I hope you enjoy this newsletter. CEET and other elements of our work should be replicated in settings throughout the country. As we finish our work on our new Strategic Plan for the next four years, we will expand our ability to make that replication both possible and likely. We couldn't do it without you. 

 

In Community,                                       

 

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Marty Johnson

Center for Energy and Environmental Training - CEET

January marked the beginning of the 5th year of classes for Isles' Center for Energy and Environmental Training (CEET). While the job market has been slow to rebound, the demand for additional energy efficiency and healthy homes training continues, and CEET already has a full schedule of classes through the end of May.

These classes will provide new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed NJ residents to develop skills for meaningful jobs and careers. The classes will also provide opportunities for current employees to further advance their efforts in the energy efficiency, healthy homes, and related fields.  And they provide community groups around the state with information to maintain safer, healthier, and more energy efficient homes.
   
"The time I spent at CEET was life-changing for me. Thank you." ~ Recent CEET Graduate

  

At the same time, CEET has provided training and nationally recognized certifications for hundreds of contractors from across the state. The mix of incumbent workers, company owners, and unemployed individuals hoping to enter the energy efficiency field that are enrolled in the classes,  creates a valuable network for all involved.

 

"As our young business grows within the EE and RE industry, our partnership with CEET has been a critical element of our success." ~ North Jersey Business Owner
  
CEET's work over the past 4 years had a meaningful impact on the lives of hundreds of individuals.   For example, two of the graduates of CEET's first energy efficiency class were hired by PSE&G in 2009, and they both continue to work for PSE&G today. There are hundreds of previously unemployed CEET students who entered energy-related jobs after completing their classes at the Isles' Tucker Street training center.  
CEET: Changing Lives in a Changing Economy
 
John Cross has come full circle having faced unemployment and career transition during our most difficult economic period in generations. John cites the energy-related training he received at Isles' CEET as helping him to navigate the "un-expectancies of the time." He went from being unemployed for a year in 2009 to taking classes at CEET, getting a job at Princeton Air Conditioning, and then becoming an integral staff member at Isles.
 

After 23 years as an engineering manager at Comcast, John found himself unemployed and in need of new skills to compete in a depressed job market. He had heard about CEET by word of mouth and enrolled in the building analyst and solar classes. Upon completion, CEET assisted John in getting a job at Princeton Air doing residential insulation work. After just six months, John assumed the role of Lead Home Performance Technician at Princeton Air, and he wrote to CEET's Director saying, "I still praise and applaud the work that you and your staff are doing at Isles. I recommend your services to anyone that finds themselves in a place where I was, no longer having the security of employment."

 

In 2011, John joined the staff of Isles working in Isles E4 (Energy, Environment, Equity and Employment) as an energy auditor. And now, John is extending his responsibilities by assisting with instruction and proctoring at CEET, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of trainees.

 

Upcoming Events

 

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It's not too early to think about getting outside for fun exercise to support a good cause. This May, Isles will host the 6th Annual Golf Outing at TPC Jasna Polana on May 20th and the 2nd Annual Miles for Isles 5K race and 1 mile walk at Mercer County Park on May 4th. Click on the images to learn more!

  
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Isles, Inc.
10 Wood Street
Trenton, New Jersey 08618
609-341-4700