On December 21, 2023, the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance (NJEJA) marked a significant milestone with the conclusion of its first-ever Offshore Wind Training Program. The program culminated in a heartwarming graduation ceremony held at The Salvation Army, bringing together participants, their families, and distinguished guests to celebrate the accomplishments of the 24 graduates.
The comprehensive training initiative aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge related to offshore wind energy, a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuel sources. Throughout the program, participants underwent 150 hours of foundational Offshore Wind Training, hands-on construction training, and received crucial job placement support. Additionally, they obtained Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, further enhancing their employability in the growing clean energy sector. One unique aspect of the program was the recognition of participants’ commitment, as each graduate received a stipend for their dedication to the training. This not only acknowledged their hard work but also provided tangible support as they transitioned into new career opportunities. In a symbolic gesture, graduates were presented with toolboxes, representing the tools they had acquired during the program and their readiness to contribute to the growing field of offshore wind energy.
NJEJA collaborated with several co-sponsors to make the Offshore Wind Training Program a reality. Soulful Synergy, Newark Workforce Development Board, and the City of Newark Office of Sustainability played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the initiative.
The ceremony featured other speakers such as Favio Germán of Attentive Energy, a representative from an offshore wind company, South Ward Councilman Patrick Council, and Catresa McGhee, Deputy Director of the Workforce Development Board.
Melissa Miles, the Executive Director of NJEJA, emphasized the significance of transitioning from polluting fossil fuel energy, especially in communities burdened by the presence of harmful fossil fuel plants. She highlighted the program’s role not only in shifting to a cleaner energy system but also in rectifying historical injustices faced by communities like Newark.
Victor Gavilanes, a proud graduate of the Offshore Wind Training Program, expressed gratitude and advocated for the continuation of such training opportunities in the city. “We need good opportunities to get those good paying jobs so that we can get out of our situations and do better,” Gavilanes stated, underlining the importance of creating avenues for quality employment in disadvantaged communities.
One of the most touching moments came from Murphy Kelly, a program participant, who shared a personal journey of finding purpose and passion through the Offshore Wind Training Program. “Before this program, I was a bit lost, somewhat broken after experiencing the loss of both my parents. I lost a passion for life. By a chance of serendipity, I stumbled upon this program and it reignited my passion for life, learning, and education,” Kelly expressed, reflecting the transformative power of education and opportunity.
The NJEJA’s Offshore Wind Training Program stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating how education, clean energy jobs, and community collaboration can create positive change. As the graduates embark on new career paths, they carry with them the knowledge and skills to contribute to a greener and more equitable future for New Jersey and beyond.
NJEJA’s Offshore Wind Training Program is a transformative initiative designed to empower individuals from overburdened communities with the essential skills and knowledge needed for a career in the growing field of offshore wind energy. Prospective participants are encouraged to stay informed about upcoming cohorts by signing up for NJEJA’s mailing list.
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