Brownfields Environmental Skills Training (BEST) Program
The City of Rochester's Brownfields Environmental Skills Training (BEST) program is a new initiative designed to support dislocated workers and unemployed individuals seeking sustainable, long-term employment in the environmental remediation field.
The BEST program is a non-paid training program. The goal of the BEST program is to train 100 students over four years for job placement in the environmental project monitoring and construction inspection careers. This program is being funded through a Brownfields Job Training Grant (BJT) grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the City of Rochester.
Upcoming BEST program meetings
The BEST program is a comprehensive, multi-partner effort designed to lead to sustainable, long-term environmental employment and to ensure that residents impacted by brownfields share in the economic benefits derived from Brownfields redevelopment.
The BEST program will specifically target dislocated workers, severely underemployed individuals, and unemployed individuals, including low-income and minority residents, veterans, and those with little or no advanced education.
The content of this training has been designed based on substantial input from environmental employers canvassed through a survey, the Workforce Advisory Council, and consultation with other communities that have had successful EPA BJT grant-funded programs.
How do I apply for the BEST program?
Applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Residents of the city of Rochester (check your address here)
- 21 years of age or older
- Have a high school diploma/GED with some or a complete college background (?)
- Have a valid NYS driver’s license
- Own a registered and insured vehicle for employment training
- Able to pass multiple drug tests
- Dedicated to 5 weeks of training
Applicants may submit applications to the Bureau of Equipment Services, 945 Mt. Read Boulevard, Building 100, Rochester, NY 14606, between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How is the EPA supporting the BEST program?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the City of Rochester a Brownfields Job Training Grant to establish the BEST program.
The EPA is providing connections to national collaborations and peer networks involved in environmental job training and construction-based employment.
The EPA Brownfields Job Training program also helps identify careers and skills training information, job-matching tools, and other resources to help support the growth, adoption, and creation of environmental employment placement across the United States.
The EPA encourages collaborative partnerships to restore neighborhoods to safe and healthy environments for individuals and families who seek to navigate themselves out of poverty.
Upcoming meetings
Meet with representatives from the City of Rochester’s Department of Environmental Services to learn about program benefits, training details, and how to apply:
June 10
Tuesday, 4 – 6 p.m.
Phillis Wheatley Library
33 Dr. Samuel McCree Way, Rochester, NY 14608
June 12
Thursday, 5 – 7 p.m.
Arnett Branch Library
310 Arnett Blvd., Rochester, NY 14619
June 17
Tuesday, 5 – 7 p.m.
Rochester Community Sports Complex
460 Oak St., Rochester, NY 14608
June 18
Wednesday, 5 – 7 p.m.
Lewis Street YMCA Neighborhood Center
53 Lewis Street, Rochester, NY 14605
