Trainings and Leadership

The Sierra Business Council is offering two training and leadership tracts in 2011 that build upon a project we call the Green Prosperity Initiative. Green Prosperity is a transformative initiative that builds a strong foundation for the green economy. The Energy Efficiency Training Program (EETP) targets workers interested in energy-related careers, while our fresh take on Sierra Leadership Institute (SLI) works with community leaders to provide networking resources, on-the-ground technical assistance, and facilitation for projects that forward solutions for energy and climate change issues and increase the demand for green jobs. In this sense, EETP and SLI work together. Key objectives of these courses are to:

• Enhance workforce development in the regional and statewide green economy
• Build climate change and energy communication skills
• Improve group, organizational and community leadership skills
• Increase skills in collaboration and public participation
• Build an active and informed constituency for local, state and national policies surrounding climate change and energy
• Support project implementation that builds the green economy in the Sierra Nevada

Energy Efficiency Training Programs

SBC's Energy Efficiency Training Programs assist local workers to add green skills and pursue green careers. The 100-hour program offers a $480 stipend and is offered to area residents age 18 and up. This program is open to mid-level and entry-level workers with preference given to those from Amador, Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Mariposa counties. Click here for more information and to apply.

Sierra Leadership Institute - Energy & Climate Program

Rather than focusing on building individual leadership skills, the 2011 curriculum will focus on energy and climate team leadership. Regional teams will attend a weeklong training workshop during which they will learn collaborative leadership skills alongside the following: the climate and energy policy landscape in California, climate and energy science, California energy regulatory agencies and energy efficiency strategic planning efforts, and opportunities and resources for clean energy transformation that will most benefit their communities. After the course, program staff will provide technical assistance and guidance to turn concepts developed in the course into pilot projects. Click here for more information and to apply.