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Goodwill to Host Weatherization Worker Training at Ferris

pictureGoodwill Industries will host weatherization worker training for qualified participants beginning Monday, June 13 and continuing through Monday, July 11 at Ferris State University’s Institute for Construction Education and Training.

Goodwill received a grant to train qualified candidates people who are currently unemployed. The goal is to attract 24 participants to attend the training sessions at the ICET building located at 1020 Maple Street in Big Rapids. The four-week class consists of 68 hours of lecture, 54 hours of practicum and 10 hours of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training.

Weatherization workers are the primary installers of weatherization products in the home and take direction from a supervisor. Students who graduate from the program will be knowledgeable in energy efficiency fundamentals, the anatomy of home safety, moisture control, insulation (how it works, types, products selection and installation) and how to repair holes in the thermal envelope. Additionally, students who graduate will have demonstrated proficiency in the following skills:

  • caulking
  • product selection and application 
  • drywall installation and repair 
  • installation and repair of windows and doors 
  • installation of insulation (fiberglass, cellulose and closed cell foam) 
  • roof and flashing repair
  • basic carpentry (rough and trim) 
  • sealing heating and air conditioning ducts 
  • weather-stripping; products selection and application 
  • setting up and using a blower door

There will also be an Open House for Contractors, Advisory Counsel, and the Community on Tuesday, June 28 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone interested in the Weatherization program.

Goodwill is collaborating with Michigan Works and other Mecosta County organizations and people to recruit participants for the course.

For more information, contact Janette Ward at (616) 813-8091 or Cyndi Gaietto at (616) 262-0467, of Goodwill Industries.